Australia to invest $1 billion into construction of underwater drones

Australia is set to invest 1.7 billion Australian dollars (approx. $1.1 billion) in a fleet of extra-large underwater “Ghost Shark” attack drones, a move officials say will complement the country’s future nuclear-powered submarines.

Defence Minister Richard Marles declared on September 10 that the Ghost Shark unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) would enhance both the naval surface fleet and submarine force, as cited by the Asian Military Review publication. 

“We have consistently articulated that Australia faces the most complex, in some ways, the most threatening, strategic landscape that we have had since the end of the second world war,” Marles stated.

Canberra has signed a five-year, USD $1.1 billion contract with the Australian branch of the American defence giant Anduril to build, maintain, and develop the uncrewed undersea vehicles domestically.

“This is the highest tech capability in the world,” Marles said, noting that the drones will feature “very long range” and stealth functionality.

Australia is undergoing a sweeping military restructuring, prioritizing long-range strike systems to counterbalance China’s growing military strength in the Asia-Pacific.

Marles also emphasized that Australia is now among the world leaders in “autonomous underwater military capabilities, and Ghost Shark is capable of engaging in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike.”

According to Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, dozens of Ghost Sharks will be produced in Australia, with export opportunities available to allied nations. He added that the first drones will enter service in early 2026.

Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group has stressed the importance of autonomous systems, given the country’s vast coastline and up to 3 million square kilometres of northern waters to defend, coupled with its relatively small population.

By Nazrin Sadigova