In a stunning display of defense procurement efficiency, Australia has achieved what the U.S. Navy has struggled with for nearly a decade: deploying advanced undersea drone technology at record speed. Through a groundbreaking partnership with defense startup Anduril, Australia will operationalize the Ghost Shark XLUUV next year, marking a significant shift in maritime defense capabilities.
Ghost Shark Undersea Drone Breakthrough
Anduril’s announcement reveals a massive AUS$1.7 billion contract that will place a fleet of extra-large uncrewed undersea vehicles in Australian waters by 2025. This achievement stands in stark contrast to American efforts, particularly Boeing’s Orca program, which remains years behind schedule despite significantly larger investment.
Rapid Development Timeline
The Ghost Shark program demonstrates unprecedented speed in defense technology deployment:
- 2022: Joint development begins with $50 million from each partner
- April 2024: First prototype delivered 12 months ahead of schedule
- 2025: Operational deployment in Australian waters
- Five-year contract: Includes delivery, maintenance, and continuous development
Strategic Undersea Drone Capabilities
The Ghost Shark undersea drone provides critical capabilities for modern maritime defense. Furthermore, it offers long-range, stealthy surveillance and strike operations. Additionally, the platform features modular payload systems that allow different governments to customize missions according to their specific needs.
Geopolitical Implications
Australia’s urgency stems from clear regional security concerns. As the largest island nation with a small population, it faces increasing pressure from China’s naval expansion. Consequently, the undersea drone program addresses immediate defense requirements while establishing a new model for rapid capability acquisition.
US Undersea Drone Program Challenges
Anduril President Chris Brose highlighted the contrast with American efforts. “The United States has had an XLUUV program struggling for the better part of a decade,” he stated. “They’ve spent significantly more money but achieved less progress than our joint Australia-Anduril initiative.”
Future Expansion Potential
Anduril has already prepared for international expansion of the undersea drone technology. The company established a 150,000-square-foot factory in Rhode Island and developed U.S.-specific payload modules currently undergoing testing off the California coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Ghost Shark undersea drone different from traditional submarines?
The Ghost Shark operates without crew, enabling longer missions and riskier operations while reducing personnel costs and safety concerns.
How does the modular payload system work?
Governments can plug in their own mission-specific modules, allowing customization for surveillance, reconnaissance, or strike capabilities without redesigning the entire vehicle.
Why is Australia able to move faster than the US Navy?
The partnership model combining government urgency with private sector innovation and risk-sharing enabled rapid development cycles that traditional procurement processes cannot match.
What regions will initially deploy these undersea drones?
Initial operations focus on Australian waters, with potential expansion throughout the Indo-Pacific region based on security requirements and partnership opportunities.
How does the Ghost Shark compare to Boeing’s Orca program?
The Ghost Shark achieved operational status years faster through streamlined development and joint funding, while Orca faces continued delays despite larger budget allocation.
What maintenance requirements does the undersea drone have?
The five-year contract covers comprehensive maintenance and continuous technology updates, ensuring the fleet remains operationally current throughout its deployment cycle.
