Australia is integrating mission-specific payloads into its Ghost Shark and Speartooth uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) and BlueBottle uncrewed surface vessels as part of efforts to expand the Royal Australian Navy’s autonomous undersea warfare capabilities.
The Australian government unveiled the development during preparations for Exercise Maritime Big Play Pacific in San Diego, a multinational activity under the AUKUS Pillar II framework. Some of the payloads will be tested during the exercise, which builds on three years of collaboration with AUKUS partners on autonomous undersea systems.
The modular platforms are designed to carry different payloads depending on mission requirements. Examples include systems for delivering supply caches remotely, sea mines and uncrewed aerial vehicles.
The integration effort aims to support a range of naval missions, including undersea warfare, seabed operations, sea denial and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.
The latest development also advances the first AUKUS Pillar II Signature Project, announced by AUKUS defense ministers in May, which focuses on developing payloads and enabling systems for the partners’ uncrewed undersea vehicles.
Under its 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program, Australia has allocated up to A$5.8 billion over the decade for autonomous and uncrewed undersea warfare capabilities. The investment includes A$1.7 billion to acquire a fleet of Australian-designed and built Ghost Shark vehicles for the Royal Australian Navy.
The announcement was made at Anduril’s facility in New South Wales, where the company is involved in developing the Ghost Shark autonomous undersea vehicle. The program is part of Australia’s broader effort to develop and field domestically designed autonomous naval systems.
“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, the Albanese Government is committed to delivering practical outcomes that strengthen Australia's defence capability and build our sovereign defence industry," Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“The development of advanced, cutting‑edge payloads under AUKUS Pillar II is a critical part of our work alongside the United States and the United Kingdom. Australia will again have the opportunity to showcase its sovereign developments at Exercise Maritime Big Play Pacific this week, and our work behind the scenes means we can be more open about our work to deliver these important technologies.”
"Ghost Shark is a flagship Australian success story that showcases the ingenuity of our defence industry and the value of investing in sovereign capability. Our Government opened this factory less than a year ago and Ghost Sharks capable of a range of complex missions operating far from our shores are now rolling off the line at an increasing rate into the hands of the Australian Navy," Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, commented.
“The Albanese Government is committed to building a strong sovereign industrial base that delivers advanced capability for Defence while creating highly skilled jobs for Australians."