Australia Expands Undersea Warfare Capabilities with Ghost Shark Acquisition

Strategic Investment in Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

As Australia navigates its prolonged anticipation for nuclear-powered submarines, it has taken proactive steps to enhance its naval capabilities. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has secured a substantial order with Anduril Australia for a fleet of advanced unmanned submarines, specifically the Ghost Shark extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs). This contract, valued at A$1.7 billion (approximately US$1.12 billion), underscores Australia’s commitment to modernizing its maritime defense infrastructure.

Contract Highlights

• Announcement and Timeline: The deal was officially revealed on September 10, following its signing on August 26. Notably, the transition from contract signature to production is expected to occur within a remarkable three-year timeframe.
• Production Schedule: Initial low-rate production has already commenced, with plans to escalate to high-rate production by the following year. Anduril Australia has emphasized its capability to manufacture large quantities of the all-electric Ghost Sharks for both Australian and allied forces.

Enhancing Naval Operations

Defence Minister Richard Marles remarked on the significance of the Ghost Shark project, stating that it will significantly augment the RAN’s intelligence, surveillance, and strike capabilities over the next five years and beyond. This initiative builds on the A$145 million investment made since April 2022 in the Ghost Shark development program.

Technological Advancements

The Ghost Shark is engineered to accommodate multiple mission payloads, a feature developed during the research and development phase. This versatility aligns with contemporary demands for adaptable and resilient military platforms.

Dr. Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum, expressed that systems like the Ghost Shark hold transformative potential in undersea warfare. The rapid development of such autonomous vessels not only enhances operational flexibility but may also redefine conventional naval strategies.

Collaborative Innovations

Anduril Australia’s David Goodrich highlighted the symbiotic partnership between defense entities and the industry in this venture. Such collaboration fosters a culture of innovation, enabling the delivery of cutting-edge subsea technologies. The project benefits from the involvement of 42 Australian firms, integrating domestic capabilities into the supply chain.

Operational Outcomes

Following rigorous testing concluded in June, the Ghost Shark has reportedly exceeded the RAN’s highest expectations. The successful trials reaffirm the partnership between the RAN and Anduril in developing disruptive autonomous technology that complements existing submarine capabilities.

Additional Developments in Uncrewed Systems

Now more than ever, the Australian defense landscape prioritizes uncrewed underwater and surface vessels. On September 8, just days prior to the announcement regarding the Ghost Shark, Leidos disclosed its initiation of construction on a Sea Archer unmanned surface vessel for the RAN. This aluminum-hulled vessel is designed for surveillance and strike missions, boasting an impressive range of 1,500 nautical miles.

Conclusion

The acquisition of the Ghost Shark XLUUVs not only represents a milestone in Australia’s naval capabilities but also aligns with broader defense priorities highlighted in last year’s National Defence Strategy. As global security dynamics evolve, Australia’s commitment to modernizing its undersea warfare capabilities positions it at the forefront of adaptive military readiness.