Timeline for Ghost Shark
Mentioned in: France signs Naval Group for combat UUV
Autonomous Systems: Land & SeaGained sea-mine, drone and supply-cache payloads
Autonomous Systems: Land & Sea: Australia puts sea mines in Ghost SharkBackground
Ghost Shark is an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle built with Anduril for the Royal Australian Navy. On 19 October 2026 Australia disclosed three payloads: up to twelve sea mines, Altius aerial drones and special forces supply caches.
Anduril Australia won an A$1.7bn contract in September 2025 covering delivery, sustainment and development over five years. The first boat arrived in January 2026, and Defence says "dozens and dozens" will follow.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy named payloads as Australia's export focus under AUKUS Pillar Two. Australia funded production first, while France signed for a single combat underwater demonstrator.
What is Ghost Shark?
How many sea mines can Ghost Shark carry?
How much is Australia paying for Ghost Shark?
When did the first Ghost Shark arrive?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 8 November 2026. Editorial standards.