Australia has announced it’s set to splash out A$1.7 billion (about £950 million) on domestically designed and built Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous undersea vehicles (XLAUVs) from Anduril Australia.
As per Wednesday’s Defence Australia press statement, the Albanese Government has signed a new five-year contract with Anduril Australia for the delivery, maintenance and continued development of the Ghost Shark platform.
The Royal Australian Navy has been collaborating with Anduril on the programme since 2022. At this stage it’s unclear exactly how many units will be acquired or precisely which types of payloads they will carry. However, media reports suggest it’s anticipated that the XLAUVs will provide both ISR and strike capabilities within a five-year timeframe.
Anduril Australia has stated production is already under way; Defence Australia noted that more than 40 domestic firms are involved in the platform’s supply chain.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles commented: “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 the Navy with the intelligence, surveillance and strike capabilities it needs in an increasingly complex strategic environment.”
An Anduril statement noted: “The Ghost Shark programme is the direct outcome of a bold decision by the Royal Australian Navy to take on shared risk in pursuit of speed and capability… Our shared endeavour to build Ghost Shark proves what’s possible when urgency, innovation, and partnership come together.”
- You can read more details on the Defence Australia website and the Anduril website