Full Breakdown
Australia Unveils Ghost Shark Robotic Submarines
By Drooid · · How we work
Investment and Capabilities
On October 19, 2026, the Australian government is scheduled to reveal a new fleet of autonomous submarines dubbed Ghost Shark. The program is part of a $5.8 billion investment in autonomous underwater warfare over the next decade, with a $1.7 billion contract awarded to U.S. defence firm Anduril for manufacturing at a Sydney facility. Each Ghost Shark can deploy up to 12 naval mines in a single mission, launch swarms of Anduril’s Altius loitering munitions—small aerial drones that conduct surveillance before striking—and deposit underwater caches of equipment for special-forces use. Anduril has also indicated plans to integrate heavyweight and lightweight torpedoes. A separate autonomous surface vessel, BlueBottle, will employ a towed sonar array to detect underwater threats.
Official Reactions
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy highlighted the strategic shift, stating, “The Ghost Shark now has teeth, and we’ll have the ability to inflict damage on any potential adversary,” — Pat Conroy, defence industry minister — Pat Conroy, defence industry minister. Conroy rejected claims that the rapid development of autonomous weapons undermines Australia’s nuclear-submarine program under AUKUS, arguing the technologies are complementary.
Data & Statistics
- $5.8 billion allocated for autonomous underwater warfare (next ten years)
- $1.7 billion contract with Anduril for production
- Up to 12 naval mines per Ghost Shark mission
- Capability to launch swarms of Altius loitering munitions (exact drone count undisclosed)
Future Outlook
The Ghost Shark platform will be showcased during Exercise Maritime Big Play Pacific in San Diego, involving Australia, the United States and Britain. The first U.S. Virginia-class nuclear submarines, also part of the AUKUS pact, are expected in the early 2030s, with officials indicating that autonomous and nuclear assets will operate side-by-side to expand Australia’s maritime reach.