Poland Prepares for Mass Production of US Barracuda-500 Cruise Missiles Range 926 Km

Poland is preparing to enter a new era of indigenous long-range strike capability as it gears up for mass production of the Barracuda-500M cruise missile. The move comes under a new cooperation agreement between state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and U.S. defense innovator Anduril Industries, marking a major step in Warsaw’s ambition to build a self-sufficient missile industry and bolster deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank.

U.S.–Poland Partnership

The agreement, signed in late October 2025, establishes a framework for technology transfer, local manufacturing, and co-development of the Barracuda system in Poland. The Barracuda program, designed by Anduril Industries (USA), emphasizes low-cost, high-rate production — a feature that directly aligns with Poland’s vision for scalable munitions manufacturing amid the ongoing European security crisis.

Barracuda-500M Specifications

The Barracuda-500M is the warhead-equipped variant of Anduril’s modular Barracuda family of autonomous air-breathing vehicles. It has been optimized as a long-range, low-cost cruise missile capable of precision strikes against high-value targets.

• Origin / Manufacturer: United States – Anduril Industries (Co-produced with PGZ in Poland)

• Variant: Barracuda-500M (armed version)

• Range: Over 926 km (≈500 nautical miles)

• Warhead: ≈45 kg (100 lb class) high-explosive or unitary payload

• Speed: Subsonic, turbojet-powered

• Propulsion: Air-breathing engine with modular two-stage configuration (booster + sustainer)

• Launch Platforms: Air, sea, or ground (including palletized Rapid Dragon-type deployment)

• Weight: Around 600–700 kg

• Length: Approximately 3.5–4 meters

• Unit Cost: Estimated $300,000–$500,000 per missile

• Production Model: Designed for mass production and modular servicing

The Barracuda’s key innovation lies in its affordability — at less than one-tenth the cost of legacy cruise missiles such as the Tomahawk, it enables nations like Poland to stockpile large inventories for sustained deterrence operations.

Production Capacity and Industrial Impact

Anduril Industries has stated that its Barracuda line is engineered for “hyperscale” manufacturing, targeting thousands of missiles per year once full-scale production begins. The company has already demonstrated automated assembly techniques and modular manufacturing cells designed to drastically cut costs.

In Poland, initial Barracuda-500M production is expected to begin within the next 24 months, starting with dozens of units per year as test runs and gradually expanding to hundreds — or even several thousand — annually depending on funding and export demand.

This cooperation will not only give Poland sovereign control over missile manufacturing but also create a supply chain of local defense companies, integrating Polish electronics, guidance systems, and composite materials into the production process.

Why the Barracuda-500M Matters for Poland

1. Sovereign Defense Capability: Localized production ensures independent supply and replenishment without reliance on foreign stockpiles during crises.

2. Cost-Effective Deterrence: At a fraction of the cost of traditional systems, Poland can afford large-scale deployment of standoff strike weapons.

3. Industrial Expansion: PGZ’s participation deepens defense-industrial cooperation with the U.S. while elevating Poland’s status as a regional arms producer.

4. Export Opportunities: Once licensed, the Barracuda could become a European export success, appealing to allies seeking low-cost long-range munitions.

Strategic and Regional Implications

A domestically built Barracuda-500M would give Poland a powerful standoff strike option, enabling engagement of targets well beyond the front lines — a key requirement in modern NATO operations. Its modularity also allows integration with multiple platforms, from aircraft to mobile ground launchers, increasing operational flexibility.

Moreover, the ability to produce and sustain large stockpiles at home strengthens logistical resilience, something European militaries have struggled with since the start of the Ukraine conflict.

However, the proliferation of such affordable long-range cruise missiles could raise new arms control questions in Europe, prompting discussions about escalation management and transparency among NATO members.

What’s Next

The next steps include the formal production contract, the qualification of Polish suppliers, and the construction of missile assembly facilities under PGZ supervision. Once operational, these factories could turn Poland into one of Europe’s largest missile producers, capable of sustaining both national and allied requirements.

The Barracuda-500M represents a bold convergence of U.S. innovation and Polish industrial ambition. With its 926 km range, 45 kg warhead, and low unit cost, it offers a scalable strike solution unmatched in affordability and production speed. As Poland prepares for mass production, the country stands poised to redefine the balance of missile power in Europe — making advanced long-range weapons not only powerful but also widely accessible.