Australia has ordered a fleet of Ghost Shark unmanned submarines in a A$1.7 billion ($1.12 billion) contract with Anduril Australia, aiming to boost naval capability years before its nuclear-powered submarines arrive.

Signed Aug. 26 and announced Sept. 10, the agreement covers “dozens” of Ghost Shark extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles.

In addition to Ghost Shark production in Australia, the contract also includes sustainment and further platform development.

Anduril has secured a A$1.7B (US$1.2B) contract to deliver a fleet of Ghost Shark XL-AUVs to the @Australian_Navy.

This is our first international Program of Record. Production is already underway. pic.twitter.com/VZDnU9TyxR

— Anduril Industries (@anduriltech) September 10, 2025

Anduril Australia described the Ghost Shark as an AI-powered submarine designed for coastal defense patrols, directly countering China’s persistent naval presence near Australia. 

Unlike the nuclear submarines under the Aukus pact, expected only in the 2030s, Ghost Sharks are set to enter service in January 2026.

“This is a world-class capability that has the capability to conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike at extremely long distances from the Australian continent,” Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said. 

The Australian government’s announcement comes a week after China held a massive military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, showcasing a wide array of hardware and technology, including nuclear long-range missiles as well as unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles.

🇨🇳 | Autonomous submarines, attack aircraft, and helicopters pass through Tiananmen Square. pic.twitter.com/QLlPUU6o17

— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) September 3, 2025