Australia, Anduril Unveil ‘Ghost Shark’ Autonomous Undersea Vehicle Prototype

Anduril, in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), has unveiled the first prototype of the Ghost Shark undersea vehicle.

This $140 million co-development contract aimed at creating three extra-large autonomous undersea vehicles (XL-AUVs) within three years in Australia.

“The Ghost Shark program is delivering an operationally relevant capability within a fraction of traditional defence timelines. Early creation and testing of the first Ghost Shark has been critical for rapid learning and iteration – this is how we deliver advanced asymmetric capability,” Chief Defence Scientist Prof Tanya Monro AC said.

The Ghost Shark is designed as a modular, multi-purpose capability to meet the evolving mission requirements of the Australian Defence Force, providing a flexible and agile force multiplier for defense operations.

The Ghost Shark program involves 42 Australian companies and aims to manufacture the XL-AUVs locally to support the Royal Australian Navy and potentially export to international partners.

Ghost Shark will provide Australian Navy with a stealthy, long-range autonomous undersea warfare capability that can conduct persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and strike.​

The Ghost Shark is included in the government's allocation of up to $7.2 billion toward enhancing subsea warfare capabilities and acquiring new autonomous maritime vehicles.

Additionally, the Navy will investigate potential synergies between its XL-AUV program and future trilateral collaboration under the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities framework.