Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Defence Minister Pat Conroy announce the contract with Anduril Australia. Image: Kym Smith via The Nightly.
(The Post News) – Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles announced that the country will invest A$1.7 billion in the development of long-range autonomous underwater vehicles, aiming to dramatically enhance Australia’s naval strength and technological capabilities.
According to a government official, the vehicle, also known as Ghost Shark, will perform “intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles as well as strike operations.” Mr. Marles praises the tech capabilities, dubbing it the “highest-tech capability in the world” and positioning the nation as a global leader in advanced naval innovation.
Marles does not reveal the exact number of vessels they are meant to have in the next 5 years; however, it is reported that it will be dozens. The vessels are expected to be in full operation by the beginning of 2026. This is not the first large investment in water weaponry. Earlier this year the country signed a A$10 billion deal where Japan would make the Royal Australian Navy 11 advanced Mogami-class warships.
Australia Secures Routes Challenged by China
The investment comes amid growing tensions over key international sea lanes. It has secured specific trading routes that have been challenged by China. Recently, China accused Australia of provocation after allegedly spotting its Navy ship escorting a Canadian vessel through the Taiwan Strait. Canberra defended the move, saying it followed international law.
In an effort to deter conflicts, the Australian government is working alongside the US, Britain, and Japan to develop a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines for Canberra. Marles says this is an effort to “provide peace and stability to the region in which we live.”
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