The Australian Government has decided to invest $1.7 billion (US$1.12 billion) to acquire a new fleet of extra-large autonomous undersea vehicles (XL AUVs), known as the Ghost Shark, for the Royal Australian Navy.
As disclosed, the country signed a contract with Anduril Australia for the delivery, maintenance and continued development of the Ghost Shark over the next five years.
The navy co-developed and co-funded Ghost Shark with Anduril. The program kicked off in May 2022 with a contract to develop three XL-AUV prototypes within three years. The prototype was unveiled in April 2024, ahead of schedule. There are now more than 40 Australian companies working as part of the Ghost Shark supply chain.
Ghost Shark is designed to support subsea maritime missions globally. The vehicle has a modular, multi-purpose capability that can adapt to mission requirements. In August last year, the vehicle arrived in the United States for further testing and evaluation.
The platform is designed to conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations. It is expected to deliver a significant boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities.
“The Albanese Government’s investments in the Ghost Shark are fast-charging the development of long‑range, undersea autonomous vehicles for our Navy while also backing Australian businesses. Over the next five years and beyond the Ghost Shark will equip Navy with the intelligence, surveillance and strike capabilities it needs in an increasingly complex strategic environment,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“This is a critical capability that the Albanese Government is delivering at pace – with all three prototypes delivered on budget and ahead of schedule,” Minister of Defense Industry Pat Conroy added.