Taiwan Unveils " Barracuda-500 " First Jointly Manufactured Missile with US

Taipei – In a landmark development, Taiwan on Wednesday unveiled its first missile jointly manufactured with a U.S. defence company, signalling a major leap in defence cooperation with Washington as the island faces growing military pressure from China.

The missile, named Barracuda-500, was designed by the U.S. defence technology startup Anduril Industries and is now set for mass production in Taiwan through a technology transfer agreement with the military-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST).

Key Features of Barracuda-500

• The Barracuda-500 is an autonomous, low-cost cruise missile designed for group attacks on warships and maritime threats, functioning similarly to exploding drones in swarm missions.

• Taiwan plans to build the entire production line locally, aiming for cost efficiency and strategic independence.

• The target price for each missile is set at below NT$ 6.5 million (US$ 216,500), significantly cheaper than many modern cruise missiles.

Strategic Importance

• China has intensified its military activities near Taiwan, including warplane incursions and naval manoeuvres, raising security concerns.

• Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te earlier pledged to deepen security ties with the U.S., including joint arms production, and this unveiling is a clear outcome of that promise.

• Taiwan is ramping up its defence spending, with a goal of 5% of GDP by 2030, compared to 3.3% next year, underscoring its urgency to bolster deterrence.

Statements from NCSIST

Li Shih-chiang, president of NCSIST, described the project as “a new endeavour to strengthen our own defence capabilities swiftly and efficiently by incorporating the latest technologies.”
He stressed Taiwan’s need for self-reliance:
“Should hostilities break out, should we face blockade, we are not like Ukraine, which can receive steady supplies from Europe. All our resilience must be built upon this island.”

While NCSIST did not reveal the timeline or production numbers, Li confirmed that agreements will be signed during the Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition, including two contracts and six Memorandums of Understanding with U.S. and Canadian companies.

Wider Implications

• This move strengthens U.S.-Taiwan defence cooperation, reflecting Washington’s support for Taiwan’s self-defence without formal diplomatic ties.

• By pursuing joint production, Taiwan reduces dependence on foreign deliveries that could be disrupted in wartime.

• For the U.S., the project aligns with its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, ensuring partners can counter aggression with advanced, locally produced systems.

Technical Insights

• The Barracuda missile family is designed for long-range autonomous operations, with the 500-series capable of around 500 nautical miles when air-launched.

• Its design focuses on rapid mass production, using fewer components and streamlined assembly, making it faster and cheaper to manufacture compared to traditional cruise missiles.

The unveiling of the Barracuda-500 is not just about one missile—it is a symbol of Taiwan’s determination to build resilience, expand local defence capacity, and send a clear message that it is ready to stand firm against growing threats from China.