Australia Invests $1.1 Billion in Autonomous Underwater Drones
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has officially contracted defense technology company Anduril to manufacture a fleet of autonomous underwater drones known as Ghost Sharks. This significant deal, valued at approximately 1.7 billion Australian dollars (around 1.12 billion US dollars), marks a pivotal step in the modernization of Australia's naval capabilities.
The Ghost Shark project commenced in mid-2022 with the objective of developing an autonomous military underwater drone capable of operating off the coast of Australia. Designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and exploration missions, these underwater drones are also intended to engage and neutralize enemy submarines if necessary.
The collaboration between Anduril, the RAN, the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), and the Defense Science and Technology Group (DSTG) has resulted in the rapid development of the Ghost Shark, which is 30 meters long and can operate autonomously at depths of up to 6,000 meters for as long as ten days. The drone boasts a high operational range and is designed to be stealthy, making it difficult for adversaries to detect.
The structural design of the Ghost Shark is modular, with some components produced using 3D printing technology. This innovative approach has allowed for efficient learning and rapid implementation of modifications during the development process, thereby shortening the overall timeline for bringing the drone to production.
Funding for the project has been a joint effort between Anduril and the RAN, a somewhat unconventional approach for a government-initiated defense program. Initially, Anduril took the lead by investing in the project and acquiring Dive Technologies, a specialist in autonomous underwater vehicles.
In addition to securing the contract, Anduril has established a production facility with an investment of 60 million dollars, which is expected to create around 150 jobs. The Ghost Sharks will first be utilized exclusively by Australia, with plans to offer them to allied nations in the future. However, the specifics regarding the number of drones to be produced for Australia's use remain undisclosed by both the RAN and Anduril.
Australia intends to deploy the Ghost Shark drones in its coastal waters, particularly in response to escalating military tensions in the Pacific region and growing concerns regarding China's military surveillance activities in Australian waters. The introduction of these drones is part of a broader strategy to counterbalance China's maritime expansion and enhance Australia's naval defenses.
As part of its comprehensive naval modernization initiative, Australia is also pursuing the acquisition of advanced stealth submarines from the United States and plans to incorporate eleven Mogami-class frigates, which are scheduled for construction in Japan by 2030.