In response to growing demand for versatile, long-range strike capabilities highlighted by modern battlefield conflicts, defense giants Anduril and RTX (Raytheon) have unveiled ground-launched versions of their existing air-launched munitions. The announcements were made at the Air Force Association (AFA) conference held just outside Washington D.C. last week, signaling a strategic shift in the defense industry towards addressing critical munitions gaps.
Senate Committee Signals Support for Anduril’s Barracuda
The unveiling of these ground-launched systems has already garnered significant attention from the U.S. government. Just one day after the AFA conference concluded, the Republican majority of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) publicly praised Anduril’s offering, pledging that a dedicated military program would procure the new capability. The committee stated on X (formerly Twitter) that while there is currently no program for these types of missiles, one will soon be established, with $25 million allocated in President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill to „accelerate development” of this class of weapons.
Anduril’s Barracuda-500: From Air to Ground
Anduril’s ground-launched Barracuda-500 cruise missile is an adaptation of its air-launched variant, which the company announced last year. The air-launched Barracuda-500 boasts a range of over 500 nautical miles and a payload capacity exceeding 100 pounds. Diem Salmon, Anduril’s vice president for Air Dominance and Strike, emphasized the urgency in addressing the munitions gap, stating that fixing this decades-old problem has become a priority for Pentagon and congressional leadership.
RTX’s StormBreaker: Rapid Adaptation for Ground Launch
RTX subsidiary Raytheon also showcased a surface-launched version of its GBU-53/B StormBreaker, also known as the 250-pound class Small Diameter Bomb II. The StormBreaker is typically launched from Air Force and Navy aircraft. Sam Deneke, Raytheon’s president of Air & Space Defense Systems, highlighted the need for a smart, ground-launched, precision strike weapon capable of operating in GPS-contested areas. Raytheon noted that it went from concept to test flight of the ground launched StormBreaker in under two months, by utilizing its existing air-launched StormBreaker components.
The Pentagon and foreign customers have already expressed strong interest in the StormBreaker. An Air Force notice published last year outlined a plan for the next dozen production lots, setting an annual manufacturing rate target of up to 2,240 units.
Lessons from Ukraine Drive Innovation
The ongoing war in Ukraine has underscored the critical need for diverse munitions and launch platforms capable of striking long-distance targets. Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point recently unveiled its Flamingo ground-launched cruise missile, which can carry a roughly 2,500-pound warhead and travel over 1,800 miles.
Manufacturing Capacity and International Demand
Steve Milano, Anduril’s senior director for advanced effects, stated that the company is prepared to manufacture thousands of Barracuda-500s as early as next year, contingent on solidified demand. He highlighted the Air Force’s new Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program as a key opportunity, with fiscal year 2026 budget documents indicating a desire to purchase approximately 3,000 units using One Big Beautiful Bill funds. Milano also noted significant demand from international customers, leading to co-development agreements such as the one underway with Taiwan.
