G'day:
While Pete and I are usually rather doom and gloom about anything regarding Australia's underwater capabilities, one very bright spark is the full-rate production of the Ghost Shark XL-AUV (XtraLarge Autonomous Underwater Vehicle aka XLUUV),
In prelude to a Ghost Shark unit appearing in the AUKUS Pillar II Maritime Big Play Pacific demonstration off San Diego, Australia showed off some of the payload integrated into the AUV for this demonstration.
Ghost Shark's (and Bluebottle's - see below) purchase prices, operations and remote manpower support are likely to be vastly cheaper than manned conventional, or (particularly) nuclear powered, submarines.
This Ghost Shark AUV shows two open side mission bays, alongside a display of Anduril Altuis UAVs and a Rhinemetall Asteria smart sea mine. (photo: Australian Department of Defence)
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- the Anduril Altuis (UAV) loitering munition, which will launch from a 'pop-up' twelve-stack launcher built into the Ghost Shark's deck, and
- a Rhinemetall Asteria smart multi-influence sea mine, which should fit in the Ghost Sharks side bays.
While "Ghost Shark has teeth now." - @PatConroy1 (his Wiki profile) Australia's Minister for Defence Industry.
The @ausgov and @Australian_Navy confirmed the payloads the Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous submarine carries: sea mines, logistics caches and air-launched effects for ISR and strike.
Ghost Sharks are rolling off the production line. Payload testing is active.
Shawn Comment
— Anduril Industries (@anduriltech) October 21, 2026The Asteria mine has a diameter of 530mm and a length of up to 3150mm. This could imply that the Ghost Shark can accommodate a lightweight (or is that "middleweight"?) ASW torpedo, such as the MU90 Impact that is in RAN service.
Shawn Comment
Learning some of the capabilities of Ghost Shark, and the Bluebottle USV (see photo below) to receive an "acoustic intelligence payload", has alleviated some of my fears regarding the RAN's ability to detect potential underwater threats deep in the Indian, Southern and Pacific Oceans. The Bluebottle (wiki file) may not have a weapon package, but it will enable persistent subsea ISR monitoring.
Hi Shawn
ReplyDeleteAn excellent article.
Australia can break out of the $multi-Billion, 20+ year build or buy SSK circular trap and $multi-100 Billion SSN AUKUS fiasco around the corner using drones.
As we study the capabilities of Ghost Shark and Bluebottle its possible that they and other weapons already in Australia's armoury (including the final Collins) can perform about 90% of SSN capabilities.
Australia last successfully fired just the one? torpedo in anger in 1915 (111 years ago) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_AE2#Dardanelles_Campaign
Australia then relied on Australian manned surface ships and airpower to sink subs and ships.
While Australia may be investing 50% of Aus defence spending on foreign flagged SSNs over the next 20 years we may well find it a retro-colonial exercise in supporting the American and what is left of the British empire.
SSNs for Australia only make sense and cost effectiveness as platforms for nuclear missiles - and we won't expect Australian authorities to admit that until about 2045.
Regards Pete
Hi Pete
DeleteThe publically stated endurance of the Ghost Shark is 10 days. I Assume this would be soley on the battery so assuming 5 knots for 10 days straight, the maximum range would be 2222kms. An SSN essentially has unlimited endurance. The SSN can essentially act like a mothership to deploy, command and control these drones. It also has far more electrical power for more computational processing.
I believe the max amount budgeted amounts to ~11 billion aud a year, so 1/8th of expected defense spending over the next decade.
Here is extra information on the Ghost Shark Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and other matters media launch https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/defence/international/in-a-first-australias-ghost-shark-submarine-turns-into-aerial-drone-launchpad/articleshow/135115625.cms
ReplyDeletePete,
DeleteI forgot to mention that the Ghost Shark has a modular payload, so what was shown was for the upcoming AUKUS demonstration, and it’s likely the same demonstration that the UK XV Excalibur USV was prepared for, though carrying a MK48 torpedo externally adds parasitic drag.
https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navys-autonomous-submarine-fires-heavyweight-torpedo-in-aukus-trial/
The Ghost Shark demonstration ‘loadout’ seems configured for a congested littoral fight against many surface targets.
Seems like they made the accouncement to market the ghost shark for foreign military sales. Personally I feel a bit uncomfortable they disclosed the variable and modular mid hull section as well as the ability to lay a supplies on the ocean floor.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see NZ procure more of these drones. They currently only have 2 bluebottles in service. Considering their EEZ, Cook Islands and proximity to Aus I would want Marles, Penny and Anthony to personally push them to acquire more aus UUVs.
NZ wants to replace their ANZAC frigates for an ISR patrol role. Both the bluebottle and ghost shark can help them accomplish this. Having an armed ghost shark will also add another front if the PLN decides to sail through the ditch in the future as well.
Hi Kev
ReplyDeleteNo matter the advantages of SSNs for the RAN
Australia ever obtaining SSNs from the US (USN needs all) or the UK (massive production and unreliability obstacles) any earlier than the 2050s is doubtful, in my view.
Pete
Hi Kev and Shawn
ReplyDeletehttps://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+ghost+shark+powered+by&sca_esv=33009a9d8e2a24cc&sxsrf=APpeQntBPo97bugIq7_RHRXFWAsbwla1vw%3A1792827000008&source=hp&ei=d17cavTEOpjJ1e8Pi8GgoQY&iflsig=ABILxe8AAAAAatxsiN7PyVfog8-mWF3l2BBnF_683pPV&ved=0ahUKEwi03OeDkdKXAxWYZPUHHYsgKGQQ4dUDCCw&uact=5&oq=what+is+ghost+shark+powered+by&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6GgIYAiIed2hhdCBpcyBnaG9zdCBzaGFyayBwb3dlcmVkIGJ5MgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFIqaMBUABY1JwBcAB4AJABAJgBjQOgAcIxqgEJMC4xMi4xNy4xsAEAuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIeoALZMsICBBAjGCfCAgsQABiABBiKBRiRAsICEBAAGIAEGIoFGEMYsQMYgwHCAgsQLhiABBixAxiDAcICDhAAGIAEGIoFGJECGLQHwgIWEC4YgAQYigUYQxixAxiDARjHARjRA8ICERAAGIAEGIoFGLEDGIMBGLQHwgINECMY8AUYngYYogcYJ8ICCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBwgIIEAAYgAQYtAfCAggQABiABBixA8ICFBAAGIAEGIoFGLEDGIMBGLQHGIsDwgIFEAAYgATCAgYQABgWGB7CAgUQIRifBcICBxAhGAoYoAGYAwDiAwQYACBd4gMEGAAgXuIDBBgAIF_iAwQYACBg4gMEGAAgYeIDBBgAIGKSBwowLjkuMjAuMC4xoAffvQGyBwowLjkuMjAuMC4xuAfZMsIHBzEuMTcuMTLIB06ACAE&sclient=gws-wiz&mstk=AUtExfDEKa57GDow5Gx_UroXstMHDozPlPnnWx0FALd46zZk2eNoGKfdWX1438yYgAELW5hITCmrp-PiI4hR0uxxme9hshryCJ_7YWImJi02ku7GpNtv0LSNQMYcs4P5fsrPa2kbPaM5uL_YDeNzKjCv3PHSOrGGshx8g0y43AqSMUzJ_dB2INn24A6w5EQ6iBd9VVxoO8BsQNrA1Ce4rtppBfPA4J4LPGm3WCX0ksnMNGvalMZGG_9BPVyN0hGfxJJVFczp_FdvNyLBTwdgcz0PI11fBr83-anYDnkR0hED2JK7UkmoEg&csuir=1&aioh=3&udm=50#aof=1
The Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XL-AUV) is powered by an all-electric powertrain.
• Battery System: It runs on a high-capacity battery system designed for long-range and long-duration submerged missions.
• Cruising Range: The system allows the vehicle to travel more than 3,200 kilometers (over 1,000 nautical miles) on a single battery charge, cruising quietly at speeds of 3 to 4 knots.
• Control Software: Its power and propulsion are managed by Anduril’s Lattice AI software framework, which optimizes energy usage, navigation, and decision-making without needing to surface.
Would you like to know more about its payload capacities (such as its sea mines or aerial drones) or its mission range?
Contract: Australia and Anduril signed a $1.7 billion, five-year contract on 10 September 2025 for production of dozens of Ghost S...
10 Sept 2025 — Anduril had originally signed a co-development contract with the RAN and Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) i...
22 Sept 2026 — Autonomous Submarine Ghost Shark for US Navy |
The Ghost Shark XL-AUV is explicitly engineered for long-range, persistent presence across global waters, with a specific focus on patrolling the vast Indo-Pacific region. While many of its finer technical details remain classified by the military, the known operational range parameters include:
• Operational Range: It possesses a "multi-thousand mile" range, officially rated to travel over 3,200 kilometres (1,000+ nautical miles) on a single battery charge.
• Cruising Efficiency: To achieve this maximum distance, the vehicle utilizes a highly efficient all-electric powertrain that cruises at a quiet stealth speed of 3 to 4 knots (approx. 6 to 7 km/h).
• Flexible Deployment: Its mission range can be extended significantly because it does not have to start its journey from a home port; the Ghost Shark is compact enough to be transported partway to its destination via surface ships or military cargo aircraft (like the C-17 Globemaster) before being deployed directly into the operations theatre.
Extended Reach via Payloads
The Ghost Shark's operational reach is further multiplied by its modular payload bays. It functions as an underwater "mothership" capable of launching uncrewed assets:
• Airborne Extension: It can surface to deploy a swarm of up to 12 Anduril Altius loitering munitions (kamikaze drones).
• Stand-off Distance: These aerial drones have a maximum flight range of around 440 kilometres (275 miles) and an endurance of up to four hours, allowing the Ghost Shark to strike or scout targets far beyond its physical location.
Would you like to explore how its unique flooded hull design allows it to achieve these long ranges at extreme ocean depths?"
Hi Pete,
DeleteAs I mentioned in the article, the most important aspect of the Ghost Shark procurement program is that it is in full production and likely to become operational in a couple of years.
The AUKUS Pillar II demonstration in San Diego is likely a systems evaluation for Ghost Shark prior to operational deployment, using the extensive Southern California Range Complex.
USNI has an excellent article on the exercise/demonstration https://news.usni.org/2026/10/23/collaboration-on-autonomous-undersea-warfare-is-on-track-aukus-officials-say
Australia’s biggest naval ‘flaw’ is that it has an extensive maritime area to patrol/monitor and only 6 submarines, 7 frigates and 14 P-8 MPA. Ghost Shark and Bluebottle will enable a 360 degree ‘presence’ to enable more precise use of limited assets.
Hi Shawn at 10/25/2026 8:58 PM
ReplyDeleteI invite you to incorporate your great observations of 10/25/2026 8:58 PM, including those in https://news.usni.org/2026/10/23/collaboration-on-autonomous-undersea-warfare-is-on-track-aukus-officials-say , into your Ghost Shark article above.
I'm maxed out (3 articles this week) with the manned submarine side. The last being "Australian Submarine Agency in Denial, Aus Sub Future Bleak, US & UK Rooted" of October 30, 2026 at https://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2026/10/australian-submarine-agency-political.html
Cheers Pete
Hi Shawn at 10/25/2026 8:58 PM
ReplyDeleteI'm going to publish a comparative study of all 3 standard shipping container sized XLUUVs, made by Aus, US and UK, along AUKUS Pillar 2 arrangements, on upcoming Thurs Nov 5, 2026.
Cheers Pete