Ghost Shark (submarine)

The Ghost Shark is an autonomous underwater vehicle that is being jointly developed by Anduril Industries and the Department of Defence for the Royal Australian Navy. Three prototypes have been ordered. The first of the submarines was publicly revealed in April 2024.

Project history

Anduril Industries signed a contract with the Royal Australian Navy and the Defence Science and Technology Group in May 2022. Under this contract the company is required to produce three prototype autonomous submarines over three years. It is intended for a design that is suitable for manufacturing to be ready by mid-2025. The submarines were named the 'Ghost Shark' in December 2022. The project forms part of initiatives to modernise the RAN. A number of other projects are also being undertaken to develop autonomous and uncrewed systems for the Australian Defence Force.

The first prototype Ghost Shark, which is designated 'Alpha', was publicly revealed in April 2024. At this time Anduril Australia and Defence stated that the project was running on budget and ahead of schedule. During the unveiling event Anduril's senior vice president engineering stated that trials of the type had been underway "for some time", though he was unable to disclose for how long.

The Australian Defence Magazine has reported that the ADV Guidance auxiliary ship was likely acquired, in part, to support Ghost Shark trials.

Role and characteristics

The Department of Defence has stated that the Ghost Shark will provide a "stealthy, long-range autonomous undersea warfare capability that can conduct persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike, and enhance Navy’s ability to operate with allies and partners". Details of the submarine's characteristics and intended missions have not been publicly released as of April 2024.

See also

• Future of the Royal Australian Navy
• Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service
• Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat
• Orca (AUV)

References