Australian Department of Defence
Australia's Defence Ministry, which disclosed Ghost Shark's mine, drone and supply payloads.
Last refreshed: 8 November 2026 · Appears in 2 active topics
Why did Australia buy counter-drone technology from a company that acquired it a month earlier?
Timeline for Australian Department of Defence
Disclosed three classified Ghost Shark payloads
Autonomous Systems: Land & Sea: Australia puts sea mines in Ghost SharkAwarded a $6.9m counter-drone contract via HIFraser
Drones: Industry & Defence: Ondas turns a $876m buy into ordersBackground
The Australian Department of Defence disclosed on 19 October 2026 three previously classified payloads for the Ghost Shark extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle: up to 12 sea mines, Anduril's Altius aerial drones and supply caches for Special Forces. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy called payloads Australia's export focus under AUKUS Pillar Two.
The department also buys counter-drone kit. It awarded a $6.9 million counter-uncrewed aircraft contract to DZYNE Technologies, through distributor HIFraser, among $70 million of orders Ondas Holdings booked in the four weeks to 22 July 2026.
The Ghost Shark supply caches carry equipment from the department's Defence Science and Technology Group. No trial date was given for the mine payload.
What did Australia's Department of Defence order from DZYNE?
How much has Australia committed to counter-drone defence?
Who fulfilled Australia's counter-drone contract?
What payloads can Australia's Ghost Shark carry?
Who builds the supply caches for Ghost Shark?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 8 November 2026. Editorial standards.