Taiwan has taken a significant step in strengthening its defense capabilities by unveiling its first missile jointly developed with a U.S. company. The Barracuda-500, an autonomous, low-cost cruise missile designed by U.S. defense technology startup Anduril Industries, was showcased at the Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition. This marks a pivotal moment in the growing defense collaboration between Taiwan and the United States, aimed at countering China’s escalating military threats. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has been under increasing pressure from Beijing, including frequent military drills and incursions into its airspace and waters. President Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of deepening security ties with the U.S., Taiwan’s primary international supporter and arms supplier. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), which displayed the missile, plans to mass-produce it locally through technology transfer. The missile is designed for group attacks on warships, akin to exploding drones. NCSIST President Li Shih-chiang highlighted the goal of building a self-reliant defense system, with production costs kept below T$6.5 million per missile. Li also stressed Taiwan’s unique vulnerability, noting that unlike Ukraine, Taiwan cannot rely on neighboring countries for reinforcements in case of conflict. During the three-day trade show, NCSIST will sign two contracts and six Memorandums of Understanding with U.S. and Canadian companies. Taiwan aims to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, up from 3.3% next year, and seeks broader international support beyond the United States.