Taiwan and the United States have taken a significant step forward in their defence cooperation with the unveiling of the Barracuda-500, an autonomous, low-cost cruise missile jointly developed by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) and US defence technology startup Anduril Industries. This collaboration underscores a growing determination to counter China’s escalating military pressure on the island, which Beijing claims as its own territory.
The Barracuda-500, designed for group attacks on warships and similar to exploding drones, represents a strategic shift in Taiwan’s defence strategy. By incorporating advanced US technology, Taiwan aims to enhance its autonomous strike capabilities and reduce reliance on external supply chains—a critical consideration given the island’s geographical isolation.
“This is a new endeavour. We aim to build our own defence capabilities more swiftly and efficiently, incorporating the latest technologies,” said NCSIST president Li Shih-chiang. The missile’s development aligns with Taiwan’s broader goal of achieving 5% of GDP spending on defence by 2030, up from the current target of 3.3% next year.
The Barracuda-500 is not just a technological leap but also a strategic one. Taiwan plans to mass-produce the missile locally, with a target cost of less than TW$6.5 million ($220,000) per unit. This approach ensures that Taiwan can sustain its defence efforts even in the event of a blockade, a scenario Li Shih-chiang emphasised as a critical consideration for the island’s resilience.
“Should hostilities break out, should we face blockade, we are not like Ukraine—which still has the European continent to provide a steady, uninterrupted flow of reinforcements,” Li said. “All our resilience must be built upon this island.”
The Barracuda-500’s unveiling comes ahead of the Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition, where NCSIST plans to sign two contracts and six memorandums of understanding with US and Canadian companies. This collaboration extends beyond the Barracuda-500, reflecting a broader trend of international defence partnerships aimed at bolstering Taiwan’s military capabilities.
The partnership between Taiwan and Anduril Industries is a testament to the growing importance of private defence technology firms in shaping global defence strategies. Anduril, known for its innovative approach to autonomous systems, brings cutting-edge expertise to the table, while Taiwan provides a strategic foothold in the Indo-Pacific region.
This collaboration also highlights the evolving dynamics of defence manufacturing. By leveraging technology transfer and local production, Taiwan is not only enhancing its defence capabilities but also positioning itself as a key player in the global defence technology landscape. The Barracuda-500 could set a precedent for future joint ventures, particularly in the realm of autonomous systems and low-cost, high-impact weaponry.
As Taiwan continues to strengthen its defence posture, the Barracuda-500 serves as a symbol of the island’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty. The missile’s development is a clear message to China and the international community that Taiwan is committed to building a robust, self-sustaining defence infrastructure. This move is likely to spur further innovation and collaboration in the defence sector, shaping the future of military technology and strategy in the region.