Embraer and Anduril to Turn C-390 Millennium Aircraft into Barracuda-500M Cruise Missile Carrier.

Embraer and Anduril have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate the Barracuda-500M (B-500M) pallet-launched cruise missile into the C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft. The move could transform the C-390 into a multi-role aircraft capable of delivering precision long-range strikes while retaining its core airlift and support missions.

The agreement will explore integrating Anduril's autonomous Barracuda-500M cruise missile with the C-390's cargo handling system, allowing the weapon to be launched directly from the aircraft's rear cargo ramp using palletized deployment. The concept expands the Brazilian-built airlifter's operational flexibility by adding a stand-off strike capability without requiring permanent structural modifications, preserving its transport, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance roles.

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By combining a modern transport aircraft with a modular pallet-launched cruise missile capability, Embraer and Anduril are proposing a solution for air forces seeking to increase long-range strike capacity without acquiring a dedicated arsenal aircraft. (Picture source: Army Recognition/Anduril)

The agreement reflects a broader evolution in Western military doctrine, where transport aircraft are increasingly being considered not only as logistics platforms but also as assets capable of delivering long-range strike effects. Rather than relying exclusively on strategic bombers or dedicated combat aircraft, several air forces are developing the "arsenal aircraft" concept, enabling cargo aircraft to launch large numbers of precision-guided munitions from outside contested airspace. The most advanced example is the U.S. Air Force's Rapid Dragon program, which has successfully demonstrated the launch of AGM-158 JASSM and LRASM cruise missiles from C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft using conventional cargo pallet deployment procedures. Israel has also explored similar concepts with its C-130 fleet, while several NATO members continue to study comparable modular strike capabilities. In this context, the Embraer-Anduril partnership positions the C-390 among the first new-generation tactical transport aircraft intended to receive a modular long-range strike capability.

Compared with competing platforms, the C-390 Millennium offers several characteristics suited to this mission. Powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, it has a cruising speed of approximately 470 knots, significantly faster than the turboprop-powered C-130J Super Hercules. The higher cruising speed reduces transit times and can increase sortie rates during distributed operations. The aircraft can carry up to 26 tonnes of payload and is equipped with a fully digital fly-by-wire flight control system and a modern cargo handling system designed for rapid loading and unloading of standard military pallets. Combined with its ability to operate from short, semi-prepared or unpaved runways, these features allow it to transition quickly between transport, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and, potentially, long-range strike missions without permanent modifications to the airframe. Compared with the larger and more expensive C-17, the C-390 combines strategic mobility with tactical flexibility, making it a potential option for medium-sized air forces seeking multiple capabilities from a single aircraft type.

The Barracuda-500M is Anduril's response to the growing demand for lower-cost precision-guided munitions that can be manufactured at scale. Developed as part of the Barracuda family, it features a modular, software-defined architecture intended to simplify production and facilitate future upgrades. The B-500M variant is designed specifically for launch from transport aircraft using standard cargo airdrop procedures. The missiles are loaded onto standard pallets, released through the rear cargo ramp, then separate from the pallet before proceeding autonomously toward their assigned targets. According to Anduril, this concept enables a single transport aircraft to deploy several dozen missiles during one mission while remaining outside the range of most enemy air defense systems. Since its first successful flight test in September 2024, the system has completed multiple flight trials validating terminal guidance, collaborative autonomy, and payload integration.

The announcement comes as the C-390 continues to expand its presence in the European market. Over recent weeks, Embraer has announced additional industrial and commercial agreements in Europe ahead of and during the Farnborough Airshow. The aircraft has now been selected by Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden and Lithuania, in addition to Brazil, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. This growing customer base is particularly relevant within NATO, where several air forces are seeking to expand long-range strike capabilities while maintaining interoperability under concepts such as Agile Combat Employment (ACE). For these operators, an aircraft capable of performing transport, aerial refueling, special operations, humanitarian missions and, potentially, pallet-launched cruise missile missions could expand operational flexibility without requiring a separate dedicated strike platform.

Beyond the integration of a new weapon system, the Embraer-Anduril partnership positions the C-390 within a growing segment of the defense market. Recent conflicts have highlighted the importance of maintaining large inventories of precision-guided munitions while also generating combat mass at sustainable cost. By combining a modern transport aircraft with a modular pallet-launched cruise missile capability, Embraer and Anduril are proposing a solution for air forces seeking to increase long-range strike capacity without acquiring a dedicated arsenal aircraft. If the integration progresses to operational service, the C-390 Millennium could become one of the first new-generation tactical transport aircraft to combine strategic mobility, tactical airlift, aerial refueling and modular long-range precision strike capability within a single platform.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in Security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.