The Australian Government is advancing the Ghost Shark program to equip its Navy with cutting-edge autonomous submarine technology.
Ghost Shark: autonomous underwater vehicle for Australian defense
The Australian Government, committed to providing the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with advanced capabilities, is accelerating production of the Ghost Shark program. Developed in conjunction with Anduril Australia, the program will provide the Navy with a long-range autonomous underwater vehicle designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and attack missions. The vehicle offers a cost-effective and persistent solution for underwater operations.
The Australian Government is co-investing $20.1 million in this program, in parallel with a matching investment from Anduril Australia. This co-investment aims to scale the domestic supply chain and develop the infrastructure required to transition the Ghost Shark from the prototype stage to mass production. To date, the Government has invested a total of $90.1 million in this ambitious project.
Defence Chief Scientist Professor Tanya Monro highlighted the importance of Ghost Shark’s flexibility and mass production capability, underlining the crucial role of the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) in project management and programme autonomy. “Ghost Shark has been purpose-built for manufacturing, mass production and flexibility to build resilience into the supply chain. This demonstrates what can be achieved through focused collaborative development and co-investment,” Monro said.
Australian government and industry boost supply chain
ASCA Director Professor Emily Hilder highlighted the impact of the co-funded early works contract in accelerating the program. This contract, signed between Anduril Australia and Defence, is intended to pave the way for production of the Ghost Shark and expand the Australian supply chain at an unprecedented speed. Hilder noted that this project is a clear example of how ASCA can bring together the efforts of Defence and industry to provide an asymmetric advantage to the Australian military.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy MP highlighted how the Albanese Government is working with industry to accelerate the delivery of advanced sovereign capabilities. Conroy emphasised that contracts such as Ghost Shark are critical to scaling Australian industrial capacity, attracting investment and creating jobs. “The Ghost Shark program exemplifies how Australia’s defence industry can develop cutting-edge technology and deliver it at pace,” Conroy said.
The development of the Ghost Shark is part of a larger investment of up to $7 billion by the Australian Government into undersea warfare capabilities and autonomous maritime vehicles. With the construction of a manufacturing facility in Australia, Anduril Australia plans to have the first production variant of the Ghost Shark ready by the end of 2025. The facility will also manufacture variants for international and commercial partners, further expanding the domestic supply chain.
The impact of co-investment on the Australian defence industry
The Ghost Shark program is a key component of the Albanese Government’s strategy to strengthen national defence through investment in advanced technologies. With up to 42 Australian companies involved in the Ghost Shark supply chain, the project is creating a robust industrial ecosystem capable of supporting the production of high-tech autonomous vehicles.
The early works contract between Anduril Australia and Defence not only paves the way for mass production of the Ghost Shark, but also drives investment in the infrastructure needed to support the expansion of the industry. This includes the development of manufacturing capabilities and supply chain scalability, reinforcing Australia’s position as a leader in defence technology.
In addition to enhancing defence capabilities, the Ghost Shark program has a significant impact on the Australian economy, attracting new investment and creating jobs in the industrial sector. Government-industry co-investment is creating an enabling environment for innovation and growth, positioning Australia as a key player in the development of advanced defence technologies globally.
