The Royal Australian Navy has signed a five-year $1.1 billion deal with Anduril to produce large autonomous submarines, aiming for initial service in 2026.
Australia has embarked on a major leap in undersea autonomy with the “Ghost Shark” extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XL-AUV) programme. Under a five-year contract worth A$1.7 billion ($1.1 billion), Anduril Australia will deliver dozens of long-range, stealth-capable unmanned submarines designed to support both surface and subsurface naval operations.
Defence Minister Richard Marles called the project a critical capability gains for the Royal Australian Navy, noting that the country faces its most complex and threatening strategic environment since the Second World War.
Pat Conroy, the Minister of Industry, said that the first vehicles are expected to be in use by early 2026. The goal is to make enough AUVs to facilitate possible exports to friendly countries.
The Ghost Shark programme breaks from traditional defence procurement by sharing financial and operational risk between the navy and private sector. Navy personnel worked within Anduril facilities during development, while company engineers joined military bases for joint testing.
Intended to counter growing regional challenges — notably China’s expanding military presence in the Asia-Pacific — the XL-AUVs will conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and, when required, strike missions.
Anduril invested in autonomous submarine technology even before the official partnership, acquiring US AUV start-up Dive Technologies and establishing a US$60 million robotics manufacturing facility in Australia to ensure local production.
Anduril highlighted the programme prominently at the DSEI UK 2025 defence exhibition.
Author::Özgür Ekşi
