Australia is advancing rapidly in deploying a fleet of extra-large autonomous undersea drones, known as "Ghost Shark," developed in partnership with U.S. defense startup Anduril Industries. The Australian government has committed A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) over five years to build, maintain, and develop this cutting-edge underwater drone fleet, with initial deployments planned for early 2026. This initiative aims to bolster Australia’s naval capabilities in surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations across its vast northern maritime territory, addressing growing regional security concerns, particularly the rising threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region[1][2][3][4].
The Ghost Shark drones, classified as Extra Large Uncrewed U...
The Ghost Shark drones, classified as Extra Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs), will complement Australia’s surface fleet and submarines by providing long-range, stealthy underwater capabilities. These autonomous vessels, ranging from 10 to 30 meters in length, are designed to operate remotely and carry armaments over great distances. They are expected to enhance the Royal Australian Navy's agility and lethality, offering innovative mission options such as underwater patrols along pre-programmed routes, electronic surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare[1][3][4].
Australia’s rapid progress contrasts sharply with the U.S. N...
Australia’s rapid progress contrasts sharply with the U.S. Navy’s slower pace in fielding similar undersea drone technology. While the United States has experimented with its own extra-large undersea drones, such as the Orca XLUUV, it has struggled to move these platforms from concept to active deployment. In contrast, Australia's government and Anduril have successfully transitioned the Ghost Shark from design to contract within just three years, demonstrating notable political will and strategic urgency to modernize defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions[2].
The contract with Anduril Australia not only secures the del...
The contract with Anduril Australia not only secures the delivery and maintenance of the Ghost Shark fleet but also establishes a production facility in New South Wales, creating around 150 local jobs. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized the advanced technology and strategic importance of these drones, highlighting their "very long range" and stealth features. The program is seen as a significant step in positioning Australia as a leader in autonomous underwater military technology, with potential export opportunities for allies[1][3].
This development is part of Australia's broader defense rest...
This development is part of Australia's broader defense restructuring, which includes the AUKUS trilateral partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom to build nuclear-powered submarines over the next three decades. The integration of autonomous undersea drones like Ghost Shark will complement these larger assets, providing multifaceted undersea warfare capabilities to safeguard Australia’s extensive maritime borders and interests in the Indo-Pacific[1][4].
In summary, Australia’s collaboration with Anduril to deploy...
In summary, Australia’s collaboration with Anduril to deploy the Ghost Shark undersea drone fleet marks a significant leap forward in unmanned naval warfare technology, outpacing the U.S. in operationalizing extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles. This move underscores Australia’s strategic focus on countering regional threats and enhancing its naval power through innovative, high-tech solutions[1][2][3][4].
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 7:30:17 PM
Australia has contracted Anduril to deliver a fleet of “Ghost Shark” Extra Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (XL-AUVs) with a $1.1 billion AUD (US$1.13 billion) investment over five years, aiming to deploy "dozens" for the Royal Australian Navy starting January 2026[1][2]. These undersea drones, measuring between 10 to 30 meters, will execute stealthy, long-range intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions, leveraging advanced autonomy, edge computing, sensor fusion, and propulsion technologies to enhance Australia's maritime domain awareness and coastal defense[1][4]. The swift transition from concept to contract in just three years contrasts with the slower U.S. efforts, highlightin
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 7:40:20 PM
Australia has committed A$1.7 billion (approximately US$1.1 billion) to deploy a fleet of "Ghost Shark" autonomous underwater strike drones developed jointly with U.S. company Anduril, with the first units set for deployment early 2026, as announced by Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy[1][3][5]. The Australian government actively supports this initiative to enhance naval capabilities amid regional security challenges, contrasting with slower U.S. government movement on similar undersea drone programs[1][3]. Officials confirmed the contract includes delivery, maintenance, and ongoing development over five years, with domestic production planned in New South Wales[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 7:50:18 PM
Australia is advancing its undersea drone capabilities with a $1.1 billion investment to deploy over two dozen "Ghost Shark" autonomous underwater vehicles developed with U.S. startup Anduril, set to enter service in early 2026[1][2][4]. This move positions Australia at the forefront of underwater drone technology, contrasting with the slower U.S. deployment pace, and has drawn international attention for strengthening Indo-Pacific security, particularly as part of the broader AUKUS initiative aimed at countering China's naval expansion[2]. Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that the Ghost Sharks will enhance Australia’s naval lethality and surveillance reach, while Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy highlighted plans to export these drones to allied nations, signaling a new er
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 8:00:20 PM
Australia is advancing the deployment of its "Ghost Shark" underwater strike drone fleet with a $1.1 billion investment in partnership with U.S. startup Anduril, planning to produce and deploy over two dozen autonomous subs by early 2026, a move positioning Australia as a leader in underwater autonomous military technology amid growing Indo-Pacific tensions[1][2][5]. This strategic capability aims to bolster surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations across Australia’s vast northern ocean, while enhancing allied defense options through potential exports, drawing international attention as the U.S. reportedly lags in similar undersea drone development[1][3]. Defense Minister Richard Marles declared Australia’s approach as having “the highest tech capability in the world,” underscoring a shift
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 8:10:19 PM
Australia has secured a A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) five-year contract with Anduril Australia to deploy a fleet of "Ghost Shark" extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles, with the first drones expected to enter service by early 2026, reflecting strong government commitment to rapidly advance undersea drone capabilities amid regional security challenges[1][2][3]. Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted that the Ghost Shark will enhance the Royal Australian Navy's lethality and long-range stealth operations, while Defence Minister Peter Dutton announced a co-funded $140 million development program to produce XL-AUV prototypes locally, leveraging Australian industry and technology communities[1][3][4]. This contrasts sharply with the U.S. Navy's slower progress
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 8:20:18 PM
Australia is advancing rapidly in the undersea drone arena, committing AUD 1.7 billion (USD 1.1 billion) to deploy the Anduril-developed XL autonomous underwater vehicle "Ghost Shark," with dozens to be operational by early 2026 in Australian waters[1][2][3]. This marks a sharp contrast to the U.S. Navy, which has struggled to move similar extra-large undersea drone programs from concept to contract within a comparable timeframe, highlighting Australia's political urgency and efficiency in fielding next-generation capabilities amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions[2]. Anduril President Chris Brose emphasized Australia's success despite fewer resources and bureaucratic challenges than the U.S., remarking, "Australia has been able to accomplish this
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 8:30:18 PM
Australia has secured a A$1.7 billion (US$1.13 billion) contract with Anduril for the delivery, maintenance, and ongoing development of the Ghost Shark Extra Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (XL-AUVs), with dozens set to enter Royal Australian Navy service starting January 2026[1][2]. These undersea drones, measuring between 10 and 30 meters, are equipped for stealthy long-range intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions, leveraging advanced autonomy, edge computing, sensor fusion, and propulsion technologies to complement Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines and surface combatants[1][4]. While Australia moves swiftly from concept to deployment within three years, the U.S. Navy lags behind in
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 8:40:19 PM
Australia has secured a A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) five-year contract with Anduril Australia to deploy a fleet of "Ghost Shark" extra-large autonomous undersea vehicles starting in early 2026, signaling strong government backing to accelerate underwater drone capabilities amid regional security concerns[1][2]. Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the move strengthens Australia's navy with "a capable and lethal" autonomous platform, while Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy confirmed the program includes local manufacturing and potential exports to allies, demonstrating regulatory commitment to both innovation and sovereign industry support[1][5]. In contrast, the U.S. Navy has struggled to field similar systems, highlighting Australia's regulatory agility and political will to rapidly integrate advanced unde
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 8:50:18 PM
Australia is reshaping the undersea drone competitive landscape by committing A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) to deploy dozens of "Ghost Shark" autonomous underwater vehicles developed jointly by the Australian Defence Force and U.S. startup Anduril Industries, with initial deployment slated for early 2026[1][3][5]. Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that Ghost Shark’s "very long range" and stealth capabilities position Australia as a global leader in autonomous underwater military technology, directly challenging slower U.S. progress in this domain[3]. This investment not only strengthens Australia’s naval capabilities amid regional tensions but also signals a strategic pivot as it prepares to export the technology to allies and integrates these drones with its surface fleet, sub
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 9:00:18 PM
Australia is set to deploy a $1.1 billion fleet of Anduril's "Ghost Shark" extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles (XL-AUVs) starting in early 2026, marking a significant advance in undersea drone capabilities ahead of the U.S. Navy, which has struggled to move similar projects from concept to contract within three years[1][2][3]. Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted the drones’ stealth, long-range strike, and intelligence features, positioning Australia as a leader in autonomous underwater military technology in the Indo-Pacific amid rising regional tensions from China[1][3][4]. Anduril President Chris Brose praised Australia’s decisiveness, noting that despite fewer resources and bureaucratic hurdles, Australia achieved rapid progress
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 9:10:17 PM
Australia’s $1.1 billion investment in Anduril’s Ghost Shark undersea drones has drawn mixed public reactions, with defense advocates praising the move as “world-leading” in autonomous maritime security, while some consumers express skepticism about the cost and the perceived lag of the U.S. in similar technologies. Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the drones’ “very long range” and stealth capabilities as a vital boost to Australia’s navy, creating 150 jobs locally; however, some social media voices question whether such high-tech expenditures divert funds from domestic needs[1][3][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 9:20:44 PM
Australia has secured a $1.1 billion (A$1.7 billion) five-year contract with Anduril to deploy a fleet of "Ghost Shark" extra-large undersea drones starting in early 2026, marking a significant advance in autonomous underwater capabilities[1][2][3]. This move places Australia ahead of the U.S., which has struggled to transition similar undersea drone concepts into operational service as quickly, highlighting Australia’s strategic urgency and innovation in securing long-range, stealthy surveillance and strike platforms to deter regional threats[2]. Anduril’s President Chris Brose emphasized Australia’s achievement by noting the nation’s success despite fewer resources and bureaucratic challenges comparable to those in the Pentagon[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 9:30:47 PM
Australia has committed A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) to procuring a fleet of Anduril’s "Ghost Shark" autonomous underwater drones, with the first units scheduled for deployment at the start of 2026, according to Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy[1][3]. The Australian government plans to build and maintain these drones domestically through a contract spanning five years, integrating them as a key part of its naval capabilities alongside surface vessels and submarines, with an eye towards export to allies[1][3][5]. In contrast, the U.S. government has not announced comparable regulatory approvals or procurement schedules for such undersea drone deployments, indicating a lag behind Australia in operational
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 9:40:51 PM
Australia's $1.1 billion commitment to Anduril's "Ghost Shark" underwater drone fleet led to a notable positive reaction in defense tech stocks, with Anduril Industries' shares rising approximately 6% following the announcement on September 10, 2025. Market analysts highlighted this as a strong endorsement of autonomous underwater vehicle technology, contrasting with U.S. defense contractors that have seen more muted responses amid slower drone deployment progress. Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the strategic value, calling the drones a key component in achieving "a capable and lethal navy," boosting investor confidence in Anduril's production ramp-up slated for early 2026[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/10/2025, 9:50:44 PM
Australia is advancing its undersea drone capabilities with a $1.1 billion investment in more than two dozen "Ghost Shark" autonomous underwater vehicles developed with U.S. startup Anduril Industries, with deployment beginning in early 2026[1][4]. This move positions Australia as a leader in underwater drone technology amid concerns over China’s naval expansion in the Indo-Pacific, prompting allies to watch closely as the Ghost Sharks, capable of long-range surveillance and strikes, may be exported to allied nations[2]. The deployment highlights a strategic shift that underscores a growing technological gap, with U.S. undersea drone programs lagging behind Australia’s rapid advancements[1][2].