What are the "Ghost Shark" drones that Australia is deploying?

The "Ghost Shark" drones are a fleet of cutting-edge, autonomous underwater vehicles that the Australian government is investing $1.1 billion to acquire for its Royal Australian Navy.

What other military upgrades is Australia making to its naval forces?

In addition to the "Ghost Shark" drones, Australia is also acquiring stealthy, nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS agreement with the United States and United Kingdom, as well as upgrading its navy with 11 advanced Mogami-class frigates from Japan.

Home / War and Conflict / Australia Deploys $1.1B "Ghost Shark" Drone Fleet to Counter Pacific Threats

Australia Deploys $1.1B "Ghost Shark" Drone Fleet to Counter Pacific Threats

Q: How will the "Ghost Shark" drones help Australia counter threats in the Pacific?

The "Ghost Shark" drones will provide Australia with long-range strike and stealth capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, helping the country balance China's growing military power in the region.

10 Sep

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Summary

Australia to arm navy with dozens of home-developed autonomous underwater drones
Drones have "very long range" and stealth capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, and strike
Part of major military restructure to balance China's growing power in the Pacific

Australia Deploys $1.1B "Ghost Shark" Drone Fleet to Counter Pacific Threats

As of September 10th, 2025, the Australian government has announced a major military investment to strengthen its naval capabilities in the Pacific. The country is deploying a $1.1 billion fleet of "Ghost Shark" autonomous underwater drones to arm the Royal Australian Navy.

The first of these high-tech drones are set to enter service in January 2026, with dozens more to follow in the coming years. Described as the "highest tech capability in the world," the extra-large, uncrewed undersea vehicles will provide Australia with long-range strike and stealth capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

This move is part of a broader military restructuring in Australia, aimed at balancing China's growing influence and military might in the region. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that Australia faces the "most complex, in some ways the most threatening strategic landscape" since World War II, necessitating these strategic enhancements to its submarine and surface fleets.

In addition to the "Ghost Shark" drones, Australia is also acquiring stealthy, nuclear-powered submarines through a multi-decade agreement with the United States and United Kingdom under the AUKUS pact. The country is also upgrading its navy with 11 advanced Mogami-class frigates from Japan, set to enter service by 2030.

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