Anduril Steelfin is a family of interceptor missiles that can be configured against a range of targets, from cruise missiles to ballistic and hypersonic threats. In addition, Steelfin variants are being developed to be compatible with existing launchers such as the M903A2, Mk 41 and Typhon.
Anduril unveiled Steelfin, a family of surface-to-air interceptor missiles that can be configured for different missions. The company stated that the system features a common and modular architecture.
The first stage of the two-stage Steelfin can use different solid rocket motors depending on range and performance requirements. This allows Steelfin variants to be developed for different missions. The second stage consists of a terminal interceptor that approaches the target and carries out the interception mission. In addition, the baseline airframe, software, avionics and flight-control system at this stage are common across all Steelfin variants.
Thanks to this architecture, when a new requirement emerges, the company can reconfigure the existing Steelfin architecture instead of developing an entirely new missile. Moreover, the open and modular interfaces used in Steelfin’s terminal stage allow different seekers, mission systems and other components to be integrated without redesigning the entire missile.
Adaptable Architecture for Different Threats
Anduril stated that Steelfin can be configured according to different threat levels. The company also said that the system can be used in missions ranging from point defence to ballistic missile defence. The company aims to tailor the system’s capability and cost to the threat. It also aims to provide solutions in each mission class at a fraction of the cost of today’s reference interceptors.
The company noted that conventional interceptors require separate production processes, equipment and supply chains for different missile types, limiting production capacity. Steelfin, by contrast, was designed for high-volume production. Anduril plans to produce several thousand Steelfin variants per year in the near term. The company also stated that production capacity could be increased in line with demand.
Rapid Integration with Existing Systems
Developed to be compatible with existing air defence systems, Steelfin will be able to operate from existing launchers such as the M903A2, Mk 41 Vertical Launching System and Typhon. The system is also being developed to integrate with existing fire-control systems such as AEGIS and IBCS. The company stated that compatibility with existing air defence infrastructure is expected to accelerate integration and deployment.
Anduril announced that Steelfin has completed ballistic testing with representative vehicles and that flight testing of different variants will begin next year. The company aims for Steelfin to provide an interceptor missile family that can be adapted in terms of both cost and capability to different threats through its common architecture, mass-production capability and compatibility with existing air defence infrastructure.
Anduril also stated that ballistic testing with representative vehicles has been completed and that flight testing of Steelfin variants will begin next year.
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Source: C4Defence – Anduril
