Australia Accelerates Development of the Ghost Shark XL-AUV

The Australian government has decided to expedite the development of the Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle (XL-AUV), marking a significant step in strengthening its undersea defense capabilities. On August 5, 2024, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) announced the signing of an “early works contract” with Anduril Australia to accelerate the development of the production variant of the Ghost Shark XL-AUV.

According to the Australian DoD, Anduril Australia will build a manufacturing facility in Australia, which will allow for the production of the first series of Ghost Shark by the end of 2025. This facility will be equipped to produce both military variants of the Ghost Shark XL-AUV for the Department of Defence and Australia’s allies, as well as commercial variants of this undersea vehicle.

To support this initiative, the Australian government and Anduril Australia are each investing AUD 20.1 million (approximately USD 13 million) to expand the supply chain and establish the necessary infrastructure for the production of Ghost Sharks. Previously, Anduril Australia and the government had already invested AUD 70 million each in the development of the Ghost Shark.

Designed in collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), the Ghost Shark is expected to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to the RAN while enhancing its undersea strike capabilities.

The manufacturing facility will play a key role in this endeavor, supported by a network of 42 Australian companies participating in the supply chain necessary for the production of Ghost Sharks. This project underscores Australia’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities by collaborating with domestic industrial partners and integrating advanced technological innovations into its armed forces.

The acceleration of the Ghost Shark program also demonstrates Australia’s intention to rapidly deliver critical capabilities to its armed forces while strengthening its industrial partnerships to meet current and future defense needs.

The Ghost Shark program is a rapid development initiative for an extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle (XL-AUV) led by Anduril in collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), and the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA). This ambitious project aims to design and produce three Ghost Shark prototypes within three years, with a budget of AUD 140 million. The program is ahead of schedule and on budget, showcasing a new approach to accelerated development in the defense sector.

The Ghost Shark is designed as a modular and multi-purpose capability, capable of flexibly responding to the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) mission requirements. This project mobilizes a team of Australian engineers and over 42 local companies to design, test, and manufacture these undersea drones, not only for Australia but also for export.

Program leaders, including David Goodrich of Anduril Australia, emphasize the importance of innovation and collaboration among the different stakeholders to achieve these ambitious goals. The Ghost Shark program is distinguished by its ability to quickly provide innovative defense solutions, with a particular focus on developing advanced asymmetric capabilities for Australia’s maritime defense.