What's Happening?
The Australian Government has committed A$1.7 billion ($1.1 billion) to acquire a fleet of extra-large autonomous undersea vehicles, known as the Ghost Shark, for the Royal Australian Navy. This investment is part of a contract with Anduril Australia for the delivery, maintenance, and development of these vehicles over the next five years. The Ghost Shark is designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations, providing a significant boost to Australia's undersea warfare capabilities. This initiative builds on a previous investment of approximately A$140 million in the Ghost Shark platform and production facilities, aiming to complement the Navy's future surface combatant fleet and conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
Why It's Important?
The acquisition of the Ghost Shark AUVs represents a strategic enhancement of Australia's defense capabilities, particularly in undersea warfare. By investing in advanced autonomous technology, Australia aims to secure an asymmetric advantage, a priority outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy. This move supports local innovation and job creation, with the government backing 120 existing workers and creating over 150 new high-skilled jobs. The development of these vehicles underscores Australia's commitment to strengthening its defense infrastructure and supporting domestic technological advancements.
What's Next?
The Australian Government will continue to collaborate with Anduril Australia to ensure the successful delivery and integration of the Ghost Shark AUVs into the Royal Australian Navy. The focus will be on maintaining the pace of development and ensuring that all prototypes are delivered on budget and ahead of schedule. This ongoing partnership is expected to further bolster Australia's defense capabilities and support the growth of local high-tech industries.
