Australia Invests $1.1 Billion in Anduril’s Advanced Undersea Drone Fleet for Enhanced Maritime Defense and Surveillance Capabilities

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September 10, 2025

australia Invests $1.7 Billion in Advanced ‘Ghost shark’ Underwater Drone fleet

Canberra, Australia – The Australian Government has announced a notable investment of $1.7 billion in a new fleet of underwater drones, dubbed ‘Ghost Shark,’ designed to bolster its undersea surveillance and defense capabilities. this considerable commitment underscores Australia’s growing focus on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

What are the ‘Ghost Shark’ Drones?

The ‘Ghost Shark’ drones, developed by Anduril, represent a cutting-edge advancement in autonomous underwater technology. These extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles (XLAUVs) are equipped with advanced sonar and sensors, enabling them to operate stealthily and gather critical intelligence in complex underwater environments. The drones are designed for long-duration missions and can be deployed for a range of tasks, including mine countermeasures, port security, and intelligence gathering.

According to defense analysts, the selection of Anduril’s XLAUVs reflects a strategic shift toward unmanned systems as a force multiplier. Unmanned systems offer cost-effectiveness and can operate in environments to risky for customary manned platforms.

A closer Look at the Investment

The $1.7 billion investment will not only cover the acquisition of the drones but also the establishment of necessary infrastructure for their operation and maintenance. This includes training for personnel and the development of support facilities. the program is expected to create numerous high-tech jobs within Australia’s defense industry.

The Australian Department of Defense stated that the ‘Ghost Shark’ drones will complement existing manned platforms,enhancing overall situational awareness and response capabilities. The drones are intended to provide a persistent undersea presence, allowing Australia to monitor key strategic waterways and respond effectively to potential threats.

Feature	Specification
Drone Type	extra-Large Autonomous Underwater vehicle (XLAUV)
Developer	Anduril
Total Investment	$1.7 Billion AUD
Primary Capabilities	Undersea Surveillance, Mine Countermeasures, intelligence Gathering

Did You Know? Australia’s investment in underwater drones aligns with a global trend, with several nations increasing their spending on unmanned maritime systems.The United States Navy, for example, has also been actively developing and deploying unmanned underwater vehicles for similar purposes.

Implications for regional Security

The deployment of ‘Ghost shark’ drones is expected to have significant implications for regional security dynamics. Experts believe that the drones will enhance Australia’s ability to monitor critical sea lanes and protect its maritime interests. The acquisition of these advanced capabilities sends a clear signal of Australia’s commitment to maintaining a strong and modern defense force.

Pro Tip: Autonomous underwater vehicles like the ‘Ghost Shark’ rely heavily on sophisticated AI and machine learning algorithms for navigation and decision-making. Continuous development and refinement of these algorithms are crucial for ensuring the drones’ effectiveness and reliability.

What impact will this investment have on the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region? And how will these drones integrate with Australia’s existing defense infrastructure?

The Rise of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

The development and deployment of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) like the ‘Ghost Shark’ represent a major shift in naval warfare and undersea exploration.AUVs offer several advantages over traditional manned submarines, including reduced operating costs, increased endurance, and the ability to operate in hazardous environments.

over the past decade, ther has been a rapid advancement in AUV technology, driven by breakthroughs in areas such as battery technology, sensor development, and artificial intelligence. As a result, AUVs are becoming increasingly capable and versatile, finding applications in a wide range of fields, including defense, oceanographic research, and offshore energy exploration. Naval Technology provides further insight into the evolving landscape of AUVs.

Frequently Asked Questions about the ‘Ghost Shark’ Drones

• What is the primary purpose of the ‘Ghost Shark’ drones? The primary purpose is to enhance Australia’s undersea surveillance and defense capabilities.
• Who is the developer of the ‘Ghost Shark’ drones? The drones are developed by the defense technology company Anduril.
• How much is Australia investing in the ‘Ghost Shark’ program? Australia is investing $1.7 billion in the program.
• What are the key capabilities of the ‘Ghost Shark’ drones? they include mine countermeasures, port security, and intelligence gathering.
• How do ‘Ghost Shark’ drones contribute to regional security? They enhance Australia’s ability to monitor strategic waterways and respond to potential threats.
• Are these drones fully autonomous? These drones operate autonomously, but are designed to work alongside manned vessels and are subject to human oversight.
• What is the expected lifespan of the ‘Ghost Shark’ fleet? The fleet is designed for long-term operation, with regular maintenance and upgrades planned over several decades.

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How does Australia’s investment in Anduril’s XLUUVs address growing concerns about regional instability and undersea warfare?

Strengthening Australia’s Underwater Domain Awareness

Australia is bolstering its maritime security with a meaningful $1.1 billion (USD) investment in Anduril Industries’ Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs). This ample commitment, announced in September 2025, signifies a pivotal shift towards autonomous systems for undersea defense and surveillance. the program, a key component of Australia’s broader defense modernization efforts, aims to enhance the nation’s ability to monitor its vast maritime borders and protect critical underwater infrastructure. This investment directly addresses growing concerns about regional instability and the increasing importance of undersea warfare.

What are Anduril’s XLUUVs?

Anduril’s XLUUVs, often referred to as “Ghost Sharks,” represent a cutting-edge advancement in unmanned maritime technology. these aren’t your typical remotely operated vehicles (ROVs); they are designed for long-endurance, autonomous operation. Key features include:

Long Range & Endurance: Capable of operating for extended periods without direct human control, covering significant distances. Estimates suggest endurance exceeding 20 days.

Modular payload Bay: The XLUUV’s open architecture allows for a variety of payloads, including sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), mine countermeasures, and electronic warfare.

AI-Powered Autonomy: Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) enables the XLUUVs to navigate complex underwater environments, identify targets, and adapt to changing conditions.

Silent Operation: Designed for stealth, minimizing acoustic signatures to avoid detection.

Networked Capabilities: XLUUVs can operate independently or as part of a networked fleet, sharing data and coordinating actions.

The Scope of the Australian Investment

The $1.1 billion investment will fund the acquisition of an initial fleet of XLUUVs, along with the necessary support infrastructure and training for Royal Australian Navy (RAN) personnel.The program is being executed in phases:

1. Initial Deployment (2025-2027): Focuses on delivering the first tranche of XLUUVs and establishing operational bases.
2. Capability Expansion (2027-2030): Expanding the fleet size and integrating advanced payloads.
3. System Integration (Ongoing): Seamlessly integrating the XLUUVs with existing RAN assets and command-and-control systems.

This phased approach allows for continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring the XLUUVs remain at the forefront of undersea technology. The investment also includes provisions for Australian industry participation, fostering local expertise in unmanned systems.

Key Benefits for Australian Maritime Security

The deployment of Anduril’s XLUUVs offers a multitude of benefits for Australia’s maritime defense capabilities:

Enhanced Surveillance: Provides persistent, long-range surveillance of critical maritime areas, including sea lanes and underwater infrastructure.

Improved Mine Countermeasures: XLUUVs can be equipped with sensors to detect and neutralize underwater mines, safeguarding naval vessels and commercial shipping.

Reduced Risk to Personnel: Autonomous operation minimizes the need to deploy personnel in hazardous environments.

Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to conventional manned platforms, XLUUVs offer a more cost-effective solution for long-duration undersea missions.

Deterrence: The presence of advanced unmanned systems serves as a deterrent to potential adversaries.

Asymmetric Advantage: Provides Australia with a unique capability in the region, enhancing its strategic position.

Real-World Applications & Potential Scenarios

The XLUUVs are envisioned for a wide range of operational scenarios:

Border Protection: Monitoring Australia’s extensive coastline for illegal fishing, smuggling, and other illicit activities.

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Safeguarding underwater cables, pipelines, and other vital infrastructure from sabotage or damage.

Search and Rescue: Assisting in search and rescue operations in challenging underwater environments.

Intelligence Gathering: Collecting intelligence on potential threats and monitoring adversary activity.

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Detecting and tracking enemy submarines.

technological Considerations & Challenges

while the XLUUVs represent a significant leap forward,several technological challenges remain:

* Interaction: Maintaining reliable communication with underwater vehicles over