Latvia has announced plans to acquire the Barracuda family of jet-powered cruise missiles from US defense technology company Anduril Industries, marking a step toward strengthening its long-range strike capabilities.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs disclosed the potential procurement following a visit to Anduril’s facilities in California, where he met with the company’s founder, Palmer Luckey. However, officials have yet to reveal the specific missile variant, procurement quantity, contract value, or anticipated delivery schedule.
The proposed acquisition comes as European NATO members accelerate efforts to develop mobile, ground-launched strike capabilities and counter-drone systems to strengthen deterrence against Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. The potential agreement with Anduril is expected to enhance Latvia’s military capabilities along NATO’s eastern flank.
Collaboration on Military Testing and Counter-Drone Systems
During the visit, Latvian defense company Origin Robotics signed a separate agreement with Anduril to integrate the latter’s Lattice command-and-control software into its BLAZE autonomous drone interceptor.
The collaboration aims to establish an integrated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) network to support military testing and strengthen Latvia’s ability to detect, track, and intercept aerial threats.
Overview of the Barracuda Missile Family
The Barracuda family features jet-powered, subsonic cruise missiles available in both surface-launched and air-launched configurations. The systems can carry warheads weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms), providing operational flexibility across different mission profiles.
Key performance specifications include:
Range: More than 500 nautical miles (926 kilometers).
Maximum speed: Up to 500 knots (575 mph or 926 km/h).
Propulsion: Subsonic jet-powered propulsion systems.
Launch configurations: Surface-launched and air-launched variants.
Warhead capacity: More than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
The potential procurement reflects Latvia’s broader efforts to modernize its defense capabilities through advanced missile technologies, autonomous systems, and international defense industry partnerships.
