Australia Commits $1.1 Billion to Anduril “Ghost Shark” Undersea Drone Fleet

Australia will invest A$1.7 billion ($1.1 billion) in a fleet of Ghost Shark autonomous undersea vehicles, co-developed with U.S. defense startup Anduril Industries, to strengthen surveillance and long-range strike capabilities, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced Wednesday.

Key Details

• Purpose: Ghost Sharks will complement Australia’s surface fleet and submarines, offering enhanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities.

• Timeline: First drones to enter service in January 2026.

• Production: Dozens to be built at Anduril’s Australian facility in New South Wales, with export opportunities for allies.

• Deployment: Can operate from bases, navy vessels, or be air-transported for forward deployment.

Strategic Context

• Part of Australia’s efforts to counter China’s growing naval presence in the Indo-Pacific.

• Complements AUKUS plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S. and UK in the 2030s.

• Ghost Shark’s autonomous design addresses Australia’s challenge of defending its vast 3 million sq km northern ocean zone with a relatively small population.

Defence & Industry Perspectives

• Navy Chief Mark Hammond: Ghost Shark enhances operations in the contested and opaque undersea battlespace.

• Minister Pat Conroy: Highlights long-range strike capacity and export potential.

• Anduril Industries: Describes the project as AI-powered coastal defense with rapid development achieved in just three years due to shared risk with the Royal Australian Navy.

Budget & Oversight

• Funded within existing defence budget, despite U.S. President Donald Trump urging higher Australian defense spending under the AUKUS framework.

• The contract covers delivery, maintenance, and ongoing development over the next five years.