Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles Highlights the Long-Range Capabilities of Extra-Large Underwater Attack Drones
Australian Minister for Defense Richard Marles announced on Wednesday that these Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicles will enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet, making it more effective and lethal.
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“This represents a major leap in capability for the Royal Australian Navy,” Marles emphasized.
“We face the most complex and potentially the most threatening strategic environment since World War II,” Marles noted.
The government has signed a $1.1bn, five-year contract with Anduril Australia for the development, maintenance, and operation of the unmanned undersea vehicles.
“This is at the forefront of global military technology,” Marles added, highlighting the drones’ stealth and long-range capabilities.
Australia is currently undergoing a significant military overhaul, aimed at strengthening its long-range strike capabilities to counterbalance China’s growing military presence in the Asia Pacific region.
Marles also noted that Australia is leading in the development of autonomous underwater military capabilities, with the Ghost Shark capable of performing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations.
Several Ghost Sharks will be manufactured in Australia, with potential exports to allies, according to Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy. The first units are expected to be operational in early 2026.
Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group views autonomous technology as crucial for defending the nation’s extensive coastline and northern ocean territories with a relatively sparse population.
In addition, Australia is planning to develop stealth, nuclear-powered submarines in partnership with the United Kingdom and the United States under the AUKUS program over three decades.
However, critics of the AUKUS agreement in the U.S. have raised concerns about why Washington would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without first prioritizing its own military needs. In response, the U.S. has initiated a review to ensure that the AUKUS program aligns with the “America First” agenda.
