Anduril has unveiled Steelfin, a family of surface-to-air interceptor missiles built for mass production, according to Anduril. The company says the missiles can counter threats ranging from low-cost drones to cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
Responding to a changing threat
Anduril says adversaries now field large volumes of cheap, mass-produced weapons. Legacy interceptors rely on fixed designs, and adapting them takes years. Air defence batteries often fire expensive interceptors at lower-cost targets, which strains stockpiles over time.
One architecture, many configurations
Steelfin has two stages: a booster and a terminal interceptor. Operators can fit different solid rocket motors to the first stage to suit range, launch method or packing density requirements.
The second stage shares one airframe, avionics suite, software package and flight control system across every variant. Open interfaces let Anduril integrate different seekers and mission systems without redesigning the missile.
The company says this approach covers point defence, lower-tier integrated air and missile defence, and upper-tier ballistic missile defence. It aims to price each variant at a fraction of today’s benchmark interceptors.
Production and integration
Variants share components, so they can move through the same production line, tooling and workforce. Anduril plans to build several thousand Steelfin missiles a year in the short term. Open interfaces also let the company use commercial off-the-shelf parts and draw on multiple suppliers.
Steelfin fits the M903A2, the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, Typhon and emerging containerised launchers. Anduril says it will also integrate with fielded fire control systems such as AEGIS and IBCS.
The company has completed ballistic testing with representative air vehicles. It will begin flight testing Steelfin variants next year, Anduril said.
Learn more on Anduril’s website
