Australia Unveils Ghost Shark Autonomous Submarine Payloads
Three specialised payloads for the Royal Australian Navy's Ghost Shark underwater vehicle were revealed in Sydney on 19 October 2025.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Robotics
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Australia's Department of Defence unveiled three Ghost Shark payloads at Anduril Australia's Sydney facility on 19 October 2025, covering sea mines, Altius-600 loitering munitions and logistics supply caches. The Royal Australian Navy is also fielding the smaller Speartooth XLAUV from C2 Robotics.
Why it matters
Autonomous underwater systems like the Ghost Shark can fill capability gaps while six aging Collins-class diesel-electric submarines continue operating. The modular design allows the vehicles to carry different payloads customised to each mission.
Canberra is spending A$1.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) on its Ghost Shark fleet, while a single XLAUV can clandestinely deploy a dozen sea mines. Further payloads involving lightweight and heavyweight torpedoes and electronic warfare are reported to be under development.
The players
Anduril Australia
Anduril Australia is the local arm of the US defence technology company Anduril Industries, which opened its Sydney factory less than a year before the unveiling.
Royal Australian Navy
The Royal Australian Navy is the naval service of the Australian Defence Force and is fielding both the Ghost Shark and the smaller Speartooth XLAUV.
C2 Robotics
C2 Robotics is an Australian company that builds autonomous underwater vehicles, supplying the smaller Speartooth XLAUV to the Royal Australian Navy.
The details
Ghost Sharks can deploy from shipping containers, from the stern of relatively small ships, or from wharves. The first vehicle was handed to the Navy for testing and acceptance in early 2026, and the system has since taken part in Maritime Big Play Pacific events, including one in San Diego in October.
Timeline
Early 2026: first Ghost Shark handed to the Navy for testing and acceptance.
19 October 2025: three Ghost Shark payloads unveiled in Sydney.
October 2025: Ghost Shark participated in Maritime Big Play Pacific in San Diego.
Roadmap
Australia's Ghost Shark programme supplements the six ageing Collins-class diesel-electric submarines, which remain in service while autonomous underwater systems take on capability gaps. The unveiling places Australia among nations pursuing uncrewed undersea warfare alongside its conventional submarine force.
For most Australians the Ghost Shark programme will not change daily life directly, but it represents a significant share of national defence spending. Its effect will be felt through the capability and budget the Australian Defence Force commits to undersea operations.
The takeaway
Autonomous underwater vehicles are increasingly being used to supplement crewed submarines rather than replace them outright. Readers following defence technology can track how modular payload systems are being adopted across navies.
Further reading
Explore more on Robotics to see how autonomous underwater vehicles are reshaping naval capability.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Defense News.
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