Australia and Anduril Fast-Track Ghost Shark Submarine Drone Production

In a significant step forward for Australia's naval capabilities, Canberra has partnered with Anduril Industries to co-fund the early production of the Ghost Shark autonomous submarine. This collaboration aims to expedite the development and deployment of these cutting-edge vessels, which promise to enhance the Royal Australian Navy's operational range and effectiveness in undersea missions.

The agreement, which infuses 40.2 million Australian dollars ($26 million) from both the government and Anduril, is designed to transition the Ghost Shark from prototype to production. This financial boost is not just about creating a new class of submarines; it's about establishing the necessary local manufacturing infrastructure to support this ambitious project. By the end of 2025, the first production variant of the Ghost Shark is expected to roll out from this facility, which will also be equipped to produce additional configurations for international military and commercial clients.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Australia's defense industry. The Australian Department of Defence highlighted in its press release that this new agreement increases the government’s total investment in the Ghost Shark project to 90.1 million AUD ($58.4 million). This substantial funding reflects a commitment to developing sovereign capabilities and enhancing the nation's defense posture.

The Ghost Shark project is a clear example of how the Albanese Government is fostering partnerships with industry to accelerate the delivery of sophisticated defense technologies. According to Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, "The Ghost Shark early works contract provides a clear example of how the Albanese Government is working with Australian industry to accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge sovereign capability." This approach incentivizes industry to make significant capital investments, scales industrial capacity, and injects more investment and jobs into the Australian economy.

The Ghost Shark initiative aims to deliver long-range, autonomous undersea vehicles capable of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. Although specific details about the system's capabilities remain under wraps, it is known that the design will feature an extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle (XL-AUV). This aligns with modern military trends focusing on unmanned systems that offer flexibility and reduced risk for personnel.

Anduril Industries has been at the forefront of this innovative program since May 2022, when they were awarded the contract to develop three initial prototypes. Just seven months later, the early prototype model was unveiled for evaluation. By April 2024, Anduril launched the first prototype unit, marking a significant milestone in the project’s timeline.

This rapid development underscores the potential of the Ghost Shark program to revolutionize undersea warfare and surveillance. With the establishment of the local manufacturing facility, Australia is poised to become a leader in autonomous submarine technology, capable of meeting both national and international demands.

In summary, the co-funding agreement between Australia and Anduril Industries to expedite the Ghost Shark submarine drone production is a strategic move to bolster the country's defense capabilities. It exemplifies how government-industry collaboration can drive technological advancements and economic growth, positioning Australia at the cutting edge of autonomous undersea vehicle development.