European Security — 2026-09-27

Latvia Moves to Order Anduril Barracuda Cruise Missile as Baltic States Build Long-Range Strike Capability

BLUFLatvia's pursuit of the Barracuda cruise missile would make it the first Baltic state able to hold targets deep inside western Russia without allied air support, but the deal remains aspirational until contract terms materialize.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said on X that Latvia is working to complete acquisition of Anduril's Barracuda long-range cruise missiles, following a visit to the company and a meeting with founder Palmer Luckey, during which Latvia's defense ministry and Riga-based Origin Robotics each signed memoranda of cooperation with Anduril 123. Rinkēvičs's statement did not specify the missile variant, quantity, cost, or delivery timeline 13. The Defense News reported the Barracuda-500's stated range of up to 926 kilometers and 45-kilogram-plus warhead would give Latvia roughly three times the reach of the 300-kilometer ATACMS system it has on order for delivery beginning in 2027 3. TWZ reported that because Latvia's air fleet lacks aircraft suited to Barracuda's air-launched configuration, it would likely acquire the surface-launched SLB-500M variant 1. The Defence Blog reported the Pentagon has contracted Anduril for a minimum of 1,000 Barracuda-500M units annually over three years starting in 2027, and that Poland's state-owned PGZ has agreed to produce the missile at its Bydgoszcz facility, with financing potentially available through the EU's SAFE defense-loan program 2.

Analysis
Latvia's move would make it the first Baltic state fielding a ground-launched deep-strike system, likely the surface-launched SLB-500M given its helicopter-only fleet, holding targets across western Russia at risk without relying on allied strike aircraft and roughly tripling the reach of its incoming ATACMS battery. All coverage traces to a single Rinkēvičs social media post rather than independent corroboration, though his on-the-record statement as a sitting head of state carries high credibility on intent. Absent variant, quantity, cost, or delivery details, the program remains a political commitment rather than a signed contract, and how quickly it converts to fielded missiles is genuinely uncertain. The announcement may instead function primarily as diplomatic signaling to cement US-Latvia defense-industrial ties and Origin Robotics' access to Anduril's Lattice platform.

3 sources

Latvia To Order Andurils Barracuda Cruise Missile For Long-Range Strike Capability - The War Zone
Latvia moves to buy Anduril's Barracuda cruise missiles - The Defence Blog
Latvia Plans to Acquire Anduril Barracuda Cruise Missiles After US Visit - The Defense News