Anduril and Poland's PGZ have agreed to pursue local production of the Barracuda-500M ground-launched cruise missile, unveiling a full-scale mock-up at the MSPO exhibition in Kielce. Key production details — including component sourcing and a timeline for mass production or operational deployment — remain unresolved as negotiations continue. Anduril also promoted two autonomous platforms: Fury, a loyal-wingman drone tied to 32 incoming F-35s, and Thunder, an autonomous rotorcraft proposed to support Poland's 96 AH-64E Apaches, whose deliveries begin in 2028.
Anduril and PGZ Set To Produce Barracuda-500M Cruise Missile in Poland; Fury and Thunder Drones Also On Offer
Credit: Defense News
Anduril has entered a partnership with Poland's state-owned defense conglomerate Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) to establish local production of the Barracuda-500M ground-launched cruise missile, company and Polish officials said at the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce.
Missile Production Partnership
The collaboration covers local assembly with the stated aim of moving toward full-scale production inside Poland. A full-scale Barracuda mock-up was displayed at MSPO, where company representatives described the scope of the cooperation but emphasized that several production details remain unresolved.
Officials have not confirmed whether initial components will be shipped from the United States for domestic assembly, nor have they provided a public timeline for when mass production or operational deployment would begin. Negotiations on sourcing, certification and production milestones are ongoing.
This agreement comes as Poland expands its defensive capabilities amid heightened concerns about Russian activity along NATO's eastern flank. Local production would strengthen Poland's defense industrial base and support NATO partner procurement objectives.
Autonomous Platforms: Fury And Thunder
At MSPO, Anduril also pitched two autonomous aircraft intended to operate alongside Poland's incoming combat fleets. Brian Moran, head of Anduril's European operations, outlined the company's proposals.
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"Fury is tailor-made to partner with an F-35 as a loyal wingman and as a force multiplier to keep men and women in uniform out of harm's way," Moran said, noting Fury has been selected by the U.S. Air Force for a formal, funded procurement effort.
Anduril describes Fury as a combat drone designed to operate as a 'loyal wingman' for Poland's planned batch of 32 F-35 fighters, extending sensor reach and mission endurance.
The company also showcased Thunder, an autonomous rotorcraft intended to operate alongside AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. Thunder debuted publicly at the Farnborough Airshow in July and is being promoted as a force multiplier to support the Polish Apache fleet.
Poland has ordered 96 Apache helicopters, with formal shipments and associated systems scheduled to begin in 2028. That delivery timeline provides time for pilot training and logistical preparation; if acquired, Thunder could play a role in training, sensor augmentation and support missions.
Next Steps And Strategic Impact
Company and Polish officials said negotiations will continue on technical, industrial and timeline details. If realized, the Barracuda-500M partnership would deepen Anduril's industrial ties in Europe and bolster Poland's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.
Credit: Defense News
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