The Ghost Shark (also as Ghost Shark XL-AUV) 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.
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Anduril Industries and Defence Science and Technology Group |
| Operators |  Royal Australian Navy |
| Built | 2022 – ongoing |
| Planned | 3 |
| Completed | 1 |
| Active | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Autonomous underwater vehicle |
| Notes | Information on the design has not been publicly released.[1] |
Project history
editAnduril 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.[1] The submarines were named the 'Ghost Shark' in December 2022.[2] 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.[3]
The first prototype Ghost Shark, which is designated 'Alpha', was publicly revealed in April 2024.[4] At this time Anduril Australia and Defence stated that the project was running on budget and ahead of schedule.[5] 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.[1]
The Australian Defence Magazine has reported that the ADV Guidance auxiliary ship was likely acquired, in part, to support Ghost Shark trials.[6]
In mid-2024 a Ghost Shark was flown to Hawaii on board a Royal Australian Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. The submarine will be used for trials in the United States.[7] In August 2024 the Australian Government and Anduril reached an agreement to co-fund initial preparations for Ghost Sharks to be produced in large numbers in Australia.[8]
Role and characteristics
editThe 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".[5] Details of the submarine's characteristics and intended missions have not been publicly released as of April 2024.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d Tucker, Patrick (22 April 2024). "Australia got a new sub drone far faster than the US Navy could have, company says". Defense One. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "Ghost Shark a stealthy 'game-changer'". Department of Defence. 14 December 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "First autonomous undersea vehicle 'Ghost Shark' prototype ready". Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Hartigan, Brian (19 April 2024). "Ghost Shark 'Alpha' unveiled in Sydney". Contact magazine. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Defence and Anduril unveil first Ghost Shark prototype". Australian Defence Magazine. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Felton, Ben (11 April 2023). "Defence confirms undersea support vessel - Australian Defence Magazine". Australian Defence Magazine. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ "Ghost Shark XL-AUV Arrives in the United States". Naval News. 20 August 2024. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ Kuper, Stephen (15 August 2024). "Anduril Australia set to build Australian Ghost Shark factory". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 31 August 2024.