Australian Navy Receives First Extra-Large Ghost Shark AUV
The Australian Navy has made significant strides in underwater capabilities with the introduction of the Extra-Large Ghost Shark Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XL-AUV). This innovative system has been developed by Anduril, a defense technology company, as part of a major initiative to enhance Australia’s naval capabilities.
First Delivery of the Extra-Large Ghost Shark AUV
Earlier this month, the first XL-AUV was unveiled at Anduril’s newly opened manufacturing facility in Sydney. The launch event, held on a Friday, was graced by prominent figures including:
- Pat Conroy – Australian Minister for Defence Industry
- Vice Adm. Mark Hammond – Chief of the Navy
- Shane Arnott – Senior Vice-President of Anduril
- David Goodrich – Anduril CEO and Chairman Australia
During the ceremony, Minister Conroy highlighted the streamlined development process, which saw the XL-AUV evolve from concept to reality in under three years. He also noted that all three prototype units were delivered within budget and ahead of timeline expectations.
Contract and Production Plans
The Ghost Shark project is backed by a substantial contract valued at 1.7 billion AUD (approximately 1.1 billion USD), which was awarded just seven weeks prior. By 2026, Anduril aims to transition from Low Rate Production to full-scale manufacturing of the Ghost Shark fleet. Production will primarily occur at the purpose-built facility in Sydney, which is capable of also producing the commercial variant known as Dive-XL.
Future Capabilities and Testing
The XL-AUV is set to undergo sea acceptance testing soon, with plans to deliver it to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) by January 2026. This advanced platform is intended to enhance Australia’s strategic operations, particularly in long-range intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The Ghost Shark is expected to complement both Australia’s surface combatant fleet and its future nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement.
Facility Features and Future Production
The new manufacturing facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology aimed at facilitating efficient production. Key features include:
- Integrated robotic production systems
- AI-driven ground vehicles
- A specialized test tank for verifying buoyancy, electrical systems, and safety prior to sea trials
Looking ahead, Anduril plans to expand its production capabilities to include units for allied nations, pending Australian government export approvals.
The development of the Extra-Large Ghost Shark AUV signifies a significant advancement in Australia’s defense strategy and commitment to modernizing its naval capabilities.
