Anduril Unveils Steelfin, a Modular Interceptor Family Pitched at a Third of PAC-3 Cost
Anduril's two-stage missile design is built to push interceptor output into the thousands and cut the cost of each engagement, with flight tests set for 2027.
Anduril's two-stage missile design is built to push interceptor output into the thousands and cut the cost of each engagement, with flight tests set for 2027.
Anduril unveiled Steelfin on Oct. 12, a modular surface-to-air interceptor family that company executives told Breaking Defense they aim to price at roughly one-third of Patriot's PAC-3 MSE. The company has disclosed neither a price nor detailed performance figures, The War Zone noted.
The two-stage design pairs interchangeable boosters with a terminal interceptor that shares an airframe, avionics, software and flight controls across variants, Anduril said. Both hit-to-kill and blast-fragmentation versions will be offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anduril's Steelfin?
A family of surface-to-air interceptor missiles unveiled Oct. 12, 2026. Each variant pairs a first-stage booster with a terminal interceptor that shares airframe, avionics, software and flight controls, Anduril said.
How much will Steelfin cost?
Anduril has not published a price. Executives told Breaking Defense they aim for about one-third of the PAC-3 MSE, which the Army's fiscal 2027 budget request prices at about $5.3 million, per The War Zone.
Which launchers can fire it?
Anduril says Steelfin is designed for the M903A2 Patriot launcher, the Navy's Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, Typhon and containerized launchers, with Aegis and IBCS fire control, per The War Zone.
When will Steelfin fly and enter production?
Ballistic testing with representative vehicles is complete and flight tests begin in 2027, Anduril said. Steve Milano told Breaking Defense he expects full-rate production at the end of 2028 or the start of 2029.
Is Steelfin in the Army's Future Interceptor competition?
Breaking Defense reported Lockheed Martin and one undisclosed company were selected. Anduril declined to say whether it was picked, while Aviation Week reported Anduril says one Steelfin version meets the program's requirements.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.