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14h ago

Australia Signs A$1.7 Billion Deal to Build Ghost Shark Undersea Drones

Officials cast the stealthy drones as a rapid boost to undersea deterrence with local production creating skilled jobs.

In this photo provided by Australia's Department of Defense on September 10, 2025, a Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle is seen here in Sydney, Australia.
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Richard Marles, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and Pat Conroy, Australian Minister for Defence Industry, arrive at the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Kuttabul, in Sydney, Australia, September 10, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Overview

  • Defence signed a five-year contract with Anduril Australia covering delivery, maintenance and continued development of the Ghost Shark extra‑large autonomous undersea vehicles.
  • Initial units are scheduled to enter Royal Australian Navy service at the beginning of 2026, with low‑rate production starting now and a ramp to higher‑rate output in 2026.
  • The government says the fleet will number in the dozens over five years, while precise quantities, range figures and payload details remain classified.
  • Ghost Shark is designed for long‑range intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions and can be launched from shore or from surface ships.
  • The program will be built in Australia, supporting about 120 existing roles and creating 150+ new jobs at Anduril, with more than 40 local suppliers participating.