The Ghost Shark’s modular configuration allows it to be tailored for different roles.
Australia is advancing its naval capabilities with the introduction of the Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XL-AUV). The system reflects the growing importance of unmanned and AI-driven technologies in modern maritime operations.
Developed through a partnership between Anduril Industries and Defence Science and Technology Group, this platform is now moving into operational service with the Royal Australian Navy.
Its induction is accompanied by the establishment of dedicated units focused on managing and deploying autonomous maritime systems, signaling a structural as well as technological shift in naval strategy.
Uncrewed system can operate for extended periods beneath ocean surface
Unlike traditional submarines, the Ghost Shark is an uncrewed system designed to operate independently for extended periods beneath the ocean surface. Its design emphasizes stealth, endurance, and adaptability, enabling it to perform missions such as surveillance, intelligence collection, and potentially offensive operations without putting human lives at risk.
The Royal Australian Navy’s MASU consolidates Project SEA 1200 programs, integrating Ghost Shark, Bluebottle, and Speartooth into a dedicated force with its own control center and deployable teams. The unit is built to move fast, turning prototypes into operational assets, developing doctrine, and pushing autonomous systems into real-world missions, marking Australia’s transition from trials to frontline capability, reported Army Recognition.
Drone can be tailored for different roles
The Ghost Shark’s modular configuration allows it to be tailored for different roles, making it a versatile addition to Australia’s undersea capabilities. By remaining submerged for long durations and operating quietly, it can monitor sensitive maritime areas with a reduced chance of detection.
A key advantage of the Ghost Shark program is its relatively rapid deployment compared to conventional submarine projects. While Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS framework are still years away from becoming operational, these autonomous systems provide a near-term enhancement to the country’s defense posture.
They are also more cost-effective and can be produced in greater numbers, allowing for broader coverage and increased operational flexibility. This makes them particularly useful in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region, where persistent maritime awareness is increasingly critical, according to reports.
Beyond operational benefits, the initiative also contributes to strengthening Australia’s domestic defense industry by supporting local production and technological development. It demonstrates a move toward greater self-reliance in advanced defense systems while fostering innovation within the national industrial base. At the same time, the integration of autonomous platforms into naval forces reflects a wider global trend, as militaries seek to combine crewed and uncrewed assets to achieve greater efficiency and resilience.
In essence, the deployment of the Ghost Shark XL-AUV represents more than just the addition of a new platform; it highlights a broader transformation in how naval forces are structured and employed. By incorporating autonomous systems into frontline operations, Australia is positioning itself at the forefront of a shift toward distributed, technology-driven maritime warfare, where flexibility, scalability, and reduced risk to personnel are becoming defining factors.
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Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.