Australia's Ghost Shark drone gains new underwater combat capabilities

Australia's Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous underwater drone has been equipped with new operational capabilities through a collaborative effort between local defence scientists and US-based technology start-up Anduril Industries. The upgraded system represents a departure from the original design parameters of the vehicle, which was initially conceived as a surveillance and reconnaissance platform.

The development comes as regional powers increasingly invest in autonomous underwater technologies to enhance maritime security and strategic capabilities in contested waters. Australia, with its extensive coastline and strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region, has prioritised the advancement of unmanned systems as part of its defence modernisation programme.

Anduril, known for its work in artificial intelligence and defence technology, has partnered with Australian defence researchers to integrate the new features into the Ghost Shark platform. The collaboration underscores growing defence ties between Australia and the United States in developing cutting-edge maritime technologies.

The Ghost Shark joins an expanding inventory of unmanned systems being deployed by Australia's military. Officials have indicated that such autonomous platforms will play an increasingly central role in maintaining maritime awareness and responding to emerging security challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.