Australia has officially entered the age of drone warfare with the unveiling of new military technologies, including the autonomous submarine drone known as the Ghost Shark. Developed by the US defence technology company Anduril Industries, this sophisticated vessel is being manufactured in a discreet facility in Sydney’s inner west, which remains unmarked and off the radar of most locals.
During a recent tour of the facility, David Goodrich, the executive chairman and chief executive of Anduril Asia Pacific, showcased the advanced technology being integrated into the Ghost Shark. Opened only weeks ago, the factory buzzes with activity as engineers work on the drone’s components. A large testing tank, resembling a swimming pool, is used to assess the submarine’s performance underwater, aided by high-tech cameras.
The Ghost Shark is designed to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions without any crew on board, making it ideal for “dull, dirty and dangerous” tasks typically reserved for traditional submarines. Goodrich emphasized the drone’s capabilities, stating, “It uses extremely powerful AI to sense, detect and make decisions on its own.”
The Australian government recently announced a significant investment of $1.7 billion to procure dozens of Ghost Sharks for the Royal Australian Navy, with the first unit expected to enter service in January 2024. Defence Minister Richard Marles, speaking at the navy’s Garden Island base while inspecting the Ghost Shark, referred to it as the “highest tech capability in the world.”
In a parallel development, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) also showcased the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an autonomous drone designed for air operations. This marks a pivotal moment, as the Ghost Bat is the first military combat aircraft developed in Australia in over 50 years. It is designed to augment traditional crewed aircraft, operating alongside them as a “loyal wingman.”
The Australian government is investing heavily in drone technology, with plans to allocate $10 billion over the next decade, including more than $4 billion for aerial drones. This funding aims to bolster the country’s military capabilities, ensuring that the ADF is well-equipped for modern warfare.
Despite these advancements, experts have noted that Australia has been slow to embrace autonomous systems. Retired army major general Mick Ryan remarked that the ADF has been resistant to adopting new technologies, pointing out that the country is lagging behind international counterparts like China and the United States.
The necessity of drone technology was highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where drones have played a crucial role in military operations. In June 2022, Ukraine successfully conducted a mission using 117 attack drones, demonstrating the effectiveness of unmanned systems in modern warfare.
As Australia progresses with its drone initiatives, the government has established the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator to stimulate innovation in military technology. Analysts, including Malcolm Davis from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, have called for faster acquisition of affordable, replaceable drone systems to enhance Australia’s military readiness.
While the investments in the Ghost Shark and Ghost Bat are promising, there remain challenges ahead. Michael Shoebridge, a former senior defence official, highlighted the urgency for Australia to adapt and innovate in the face of evolving global military dynamics.
The push towards drone technology represents a significant shift for the ADF, which has historically relied on traditional platforms. With the unveiling of these cutting-edge systems, Australia is making strides to ensure it remains competitive in the rapidly changing landscape of global military capabilities.
