Australia unveils secret payloads for Ghost Shark autonomous submarines

Ghost Shark autonomous submarine AUKUS Pillar II Anduril uncrewed underwater vehicles

Australia has unveiled three previously classified payloads for its Ghost Shark autonomous submarine, a project developed in collaboration with the American defense technology firm Anduril. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced the capabilities in Sydney, noting that the uncrewed vessels now have “teeth” to inflict damage on potential adversaries.

The newly disclosed payloads include the ability to deploy up to 12 sea mines per mission, the launch of ALTIUS aerial drones for reconnaissance or strike operations, and the placement of underwater supply caches to support special forces. These capabilities allow the Ghost Shark to perform high-risk maritime operations, such as laying minefields or striking targets, without risking human personnel.

The development is a key component of AUKUS Pillar II, which focuses on advanced defense technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Australia is offering these specific payloads to the United States and the United Kingdom as part of the trilateral security pact. The Ghost Shark program is part of a broader $5.8 billion Australian investment in autonomous underwater warfare over the next decade, with manufacturing currently underway in Sydney under a contract valued at approximately $1.7 to $1.8 billion AUD.

Entities

AUKUS · Anduril · Australia · Ghost Shark · Pat Conroy

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The Ghost Shark is being manufactured under a contract with Anduril valued at approximately 1.7 to 1.8 billion Australian dollars. www.24hod.sk · www.aviationwire.jp · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
[● 4 SOURCES] Australia is offering these payloads to the US and UK under the AUKUS Pillar II framework. www.sofx.com · www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
[● 6 SOURCES] The Ghost Shark can launch ALTIUS aerial drones for reconnaissance or strike operations. www.sofx.com · www.24hod.sk · www.aviationwire.jp · www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated that the Ghost Shark submarine now has teeth and can inflict damage on adversaries. www.sofx.com · www.24hod.sk · www.aviationwire.jp · www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The Australian government revealed three previously classified payloads for the Ghost Shark autonomous submarine. www.sofx.com · www.24hod.sk · www.aviationwire.jp · www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The Ghost Shark can deploy up to 12 sea mines in a single mission. www.sofx.com · www.24hod.sk · www.aviationwire.jp · www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The Ghost Shark can drop supply caches for special forces on the seabed. www.sofx.com · www.24hod.sk · www.aviationwire.jp · www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Australia has committed to a 5.8 billion dollar investment in autonomous underwater warfare over the next decade. www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au