Australia will create a fleet of Ghost Shark underwater attack drones. This was reported by “Al Jazeera“, reports BTA.
Defense Minister Richard Marless said that the underwater drones would complement the Australian naval surface fleet. He stressed that the country was facing “the most complex and in some ways the most threatening strategic landscape since the end of World War II“.
The government has signed a five-year $1.1 billion contract with the company Anduril Australia to build, maintain and develop the drones in the country. According to Marles said it was the "world's most advanced capability", with the submarines having long range and stealth characteristics.
Australia is in the process of a major military restructuring aimed at strengthening its long-range strike capability to counter China's growing military power in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, dozens of the "Ghost Shark" will be produced in Australia, with the possibility of exporting to allies. The first machines will enter service in early 2026.
In addition, Australia plans to jointly build nuclear stealth submarines with the United Kingdom and the United States under the AUKUS program over a period of three decades.