It is well known that wars are catalysts for technology.
Contrary to the "ever more sophisticated" logic that has marked recent decades in terms of weaponry, recent conflicts show an increased demand for simple and quickly produced armaments. Expensive and slow-to-develop missiles struggle to meet the demands of high-intensity warfare. We are now entering an era of mass production of autonomous missiles.
The Barracuda-250 is a low-cost autonomous missile designed for flexible use from a variety of air, land, or sea platforms, including the internal weapon bays of fifth-generation fighter jets.
The American company Anduril has developed a range of missiles named "Barracuda," which are distinguished by their modularity and ability to be quickly assembled. Each missile is designed to optimize production time while using standard, accessible, and affordable materials. As a result, these weapons are 30% cheaper than other solutions. Their production requires 50% less material than usual, and with 95% fewer tools.
These autonomous missiles are powered by turbojet engines and can carry a payload of 100 lbs (45 kg). Some models can monitor areas for several hours before striking, offering tactical flexibility.
The missile swarm is another advancement. These devices collaborate with each other to maximize strike efficiency. Artificial intelligence allows them to choose the best target and the ideal moment for the attack, without human intervention. They can withstand accelerations of 5 Gs and have a range varying from 115 miles (185 km) to over 560 miles (900 km), depending on the model.
These missiles are designed to be assembled on standard production lines, like those in the automotive industry. This approach allows for accelerated production rates without requiring new investments.
With a range of over 560 miles (900 km) and a payload capacity of over 100 lbs (45 kg), the Barracuda-500 can be launched en masse.
Advances in autonomous weaponry are opening up new possibilities for armed forces. Entire armies could rely on such missile swarms to conduct large-scale operations.
What is an autonomous missile?
An autonomous missile is a weapon capable of navigating and striking a target without constant human intervention. Equipped with guidance systems, it uses sensors to identify, track, and reach targets. These missiles can be programmed to carry out specific missions and adjust their trajectory in real time.
The technology behind these missiles includes artificial intelligence software that optimizes decision-making. For example, algorithms allow for the evaluation of multiple targets and determining the best option based on various factors. This autonomous capability enhances their effectiveness in combat, especially when operating in swarms.
Autonomous missiles represent a turning point in modern weaponry. They combine firepower with flexibility and rapid production.
What is enemy saturation in military terms?
Enemy saturation is a military strategy that involves overwhelming an opponent's defensive capabilities with a massive wave of attacks, often using munitions or autonomous devices. The idea is to create so much pressure that enemy forces cannot effectively respond to all threats simultaneously.
This approach relies on missile or drone swarms, allowing multiple targets to be struck at the same time. This can disorient the enemy, deplete their resources, and increase the chances of a successful military operation.
With modern systems, the capability of saturation becomes more achievable thanks to the autonomy and interconnection of weapons. This means that a large number of devices can act in a coordinated manner, thus optimizing the impact of the strikes.
Author of the article: Cédric DEPOND