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Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles (left) and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stand in front of a prototype of the large unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) “Ghost Shark,” unveiled in Sydney on September 10, 2025. Australia announced a AUD 1.7 billion program to deploy reconnaissance and attack UUVs to counter China’s military expansion. (AP/Yonhap) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Canberra, September 10 – The Australian government announced today that it will invest AUD 1.7 billion (approximately KRW 1.56 trillion) to deploy a fleet of large unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) in response to China’s growing military presence in the Pacific.
The government signed a development and procurement contract with defense company Anduril Australia for the “Ghost Shark” UUV program. The platform can be launched from either coastal bases or naval vessels and is capable of long-range autonomous missions while avoiding detection. The UUVs will perform intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and offensive operations.
The Royal Australian Navy plans to receive dozens of Ghost Shark units beginning in January next year, with deliveries continuing over the next five years. The exact number of UUVs to be constructed has not been disclosed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles highlighted that Ghost Shark incorporates “world-class technology,” citing its extended endurance and stealth features. He emphasized that the addition of Ghost Shark will significantly enhance the Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities, strategically complementing and strengthening existing surface and submarine forces.
알파경제 Kim Jisun (stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
