In a major step toward strengthening defense self-sufficiency, Taiwan has unveiled its first missile developed with US defense firm Anduril Industries. The program reflects deepening military cooperation with Washington as Beijing increases pressure on Taipei. The missile was introduced by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the island’s premier weapons developer.
The land-based mobile missile, modeled on Anduril’s Barracuda-500, is a cost-effective precision weapon designed to hit land and naval targets. Each missile is projected to cost about $216,000, with full-scale production expected within 18 months. While details such as range remain undisclosed, the missile is equipped with autonomous guidance and forms part of a broader set of systems presented by NCSIST, including an underwater drone and a self-operating naval mine.
The announcement follows a series of defense advances in 2024 and 2025. Anduril previously delivered Altius loitering munitions through a US foreign military sale, while NCSIST secured contracts to integrate command-and-control networks and AI-driven unmanned aerial systems. In August, Taiwan also introduced new drones, missiles, and uncrewed vessels as part of its modernization efforts.
Looking ahead, Taipei intends to produce over 1,300 Kuai Chi uncrewed surface vessels for naval and special operations use. The government is also reshaping doctrine by designating small drones as “consumables” to speed their fielding and embedding drone operation into academy training programs. To support these projects, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense is preparing a $20–30 billion special budget for 2026, its fourth extraordinary defense fund, aimed at scaling missile, drone, and unmanned systems procurement.
