Embraer and Anduril have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the integration of the Barracuda-500M (B-500M) pallet-launched long-range cruise missile into the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, is aimed at enhancing the aircraft’s mission capabilities and supporting the evolving operational requirements of armed forces around the world.
The collaboration will focus on integrating Anduril’s Barracuda-500M system with the C-390 Millennium, creating a platform capable of deploying long-range stand-off munitions while retaining its proven multi-mission transport capabilities. The initiative is expected to strengthen the aircraft’s role in modern military operations by enabling rapid deployment of precision strike systems alongside traditional airlift missions.
The Barracuda-500M is a pallet-launched cruise missile developed by Anduril for affordable, high-volume production. Designed for rapid deployment, the system enables transport aircraft to launch multiple munitions from palletized configurations, offering military forces greater flexibility and the ability to generate large-scale operational effects. The solution is intended to help replenish and expand ammunition inventories while supporting new concepts of air operations.
By combining the Barracuda-500M with the C-390 Millennium, the companies aim to provide defence forces with an advanced capability that supports agile combat operations, improves interoperability among allied nations, and expands mission options without requiring dedicated strike aircraft.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the partnership represents another important step in the continued evolution of the C-390 Millennium. He noted that the aircraft has already established itself as a highly versatile military platform, and the integration of advanced stand-off launch capabilities would further increase its operational flexibility for customers worldwide.
Greg Kausner, Senior Vice President of Global Defense at Anduril, said the agreement would provide allied military forces with an efficient way to generate long-range strike capability from a proven transport aircraft. He added that the Barracuda family has been designed for scalable production while delivering affordable and effective operational performance.
The C-390 Millennium has become one of the most advanced military transport aircraft in its class. Designed for the demands of modern air forces, it can carry payloads of up to 26 tonnes while offering higher speed and longer range than many aircraft in the medium-lift category. The aircraft performs a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, aerial delivery, and air-to-air refuelling.
The aircraft has been selected by several countries, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia and Lithuania, highlighting its growing global acceptance.
For Anduril, the agreement builds on continued progress in the Barracuda programme. The company successfully completed the first pallet-launched Barracuda-500M flight test in 2024 and has since carried out multiple validation flights covering autonomous operations, payload performance and terminal engagements. The programme has also secured support through recent defence agreements, including collaboration with Poland’s defence industry.
The new partnership reflects the growing demand for flexible military platforms capable of combining transport, logistics and precision strike capabilities. By bringing together Embraer’s expertise in military aviation and Anduril’s advanced defence technologies, the companies aim to deliver a next-generation solution that strengthens operational readiness and expands the capabilities of allied defence forces.
