A recent strategic operation involving the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) Boeing C-17 Globemaster III highlighted the force’s expeditionary capabilities with the transport of a significant asset—a submarine. However, this was not an ordinary submarine but the Ghost Shark, an unmanned autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV). This deployment, aligned with the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise near the Hawaiian Islands, underscores the Ghost Shark’s rapid deployment potential, as noted by military analysts.
Anduril, the defense company responsible for the Ghost Shark, confirmed that this transport was part of a broader exchange program aimed at demonstrating the UUV’s operational deployment capabilities. In 2022, the Australian government entered into an agreement with Anduril to produce three prototypes of the Extra-Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (XL-AUV), known as the Ghost Shark, with an expected delivery by 2025. This initiative is set to significantly enhance Australia’s underwater operational capacity.
This operation exemplifies the adaptability and strategic importance of Australia’s airlift capabilities while also underscoring the critical role that advanced unmanned systems play in contemporary defense strategies. The deployment serves as a strategic maneuver to fortify Australia’s defense capabilities and enhance interoperability with allied forces.
The strategic value of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) is significant, particularly for missions involving surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering—key components of maritime security. By adopting this advanced technology, Australia is positioning itself to counter emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region, where geopolitical tensions are on the rise. This move is part of a broader modernization effort aimed at ensuring the Australian Defense Force remains a formidable player in regional security dynamics.
Additionally, the capability to rapidly deploy sophisticated military assets via air transport enhances cooperation with key allies, particularly the United States. Joint exercises and operations with U.S. forces not only improve operational readiness but also align tactical approaches in potential conflict scenarios. This collaboration is crucial as both nations confront shared security challenges in an increasingly volatile global environment. The successful deployment of the Ghost Shark UUV symbolizes a deepening commitment to joint defense initiatives and the strengthening of the Australia-U.S. alliance.
The development of the Ghost Shark XL-AUV by Anduril has garnered significant attention within Australia’s defense community. David Goodrich, CEO of Anduril Australia, highlighted the project’s accelerated timeline, noting that it is both ahead of schedule and within budget—an achievement that underscores effective collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy and the Defence Science and Technology Group.
Australia’s Minister for Defense Industry, Pat Conroy, emphasized the Ghost Shark as a prime example of how Defense and Australian industry can rapidly generate new sovereign capabilities, which are essential for addressing contemporary defense challenges. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Navy, reinforced this sentiment, stating that this collaboration leverages the strengths of all involved parties to enhance Australia’s maritime defense capabilities. Moreover, Chief Defence Scientist Prof. Tanya Monro pointed out that the rapid development of the Ghost Shark sets a new standard for delivering operationally relevant technologies.
As Australia’s underwater combat strategy evolves, particularly within the AUKUS partnership with the UK and the US, the focus is increasingly on developing advanced underwater capabilities, including UUVs and enhanced submarine operations. A key component of this strategy is the deployment of cutting-edge technologies like the Ghost Shark, which is designed for long-range intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions—critical for bolstering Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities.
The AUKUS partnership is also advancing the development of interchangeable UUVs that can be deployed from submarines without surfacing, thereby extending the operational range and firepower of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). These innovations will enhance the RAN’s ability to monitor critical underwater infrastructure such as communication cables and pipelines.
In parallel, Australia is making substantial investments in upgrading its existing Collins-class submarines and expanding its naval fleet with new surface combatants. These initiatives are integral to maintaining a robust maritime defense posture in the face of evolving security challenges.
