U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries is considering manufacturing its newly introduced Steelfin interceptor missiles in Europe as demand for affordable air defense systems continues to rise amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Brian Moran, Anduril’s vice president for Europe, told Reuters that the company is interested in collaborating with Polish customers and defense manufacturers to develop production capabilities for the Steelfin missile system.
Moran emphasized that Anduril remains open to partnerships with European governments and industrial companies, potentially expanding its manufacturing presence across the region.
The Steelfin interceptor missile, recently unveiled by Anduril, is expected to begin flight testing in 2027. The planned testing program represents an important milestone as the company seeks to introduce a cost-effective alternative to conventional missile defense technologies.
Growing demand for air defense interceptors has been driven by military conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf region, where sustained operations have significantly reduced existing missile inventories. These shortages, combined with lengthy delivery schedules, have encouraged governments to explore additional manufacturing capacity and alternative defense solutions.
Anduril aims to position Steelfin as a complementary interceptor rather than a direct replacement for established air defense platforms such as the Patriot missile system.
According to Moran, the new interceptor is designed to provide a more affordable defensive option, potentially allowing military forces to preserve expensive interceptor missiles for higher-priority threats.
Poland could become an important manufacturing hub for Anduril's expanding European defense operations.
The company is already holding discussions regarding the potential production of its Barracuda-500 cruise missile in Poland. Moran suggested that experience gained through this initiative could support additional manufacturing projects involving other Anduril defense technologies.
Expanding missile production in Europe could also help address growing concerns over supply chain resilience, defense readiness and the availability of critical military equipment.
For the European defense industry, potential cooperation with Anduril could create opportunities to strengthen domestic missile manufacturing capabilities while reducing dependence on overseas production.
Although no final manufacturing agreement for Steelfin has been announced, Anduril's interest in European partnerships highlights the increasing importance of regional defense production.
The company's planned 2027 Steelfin flight tests and ongoing discussions in Poland will be important developments as European governments seek to expand air defense capacity and strengthen military preparedness.
