Australia has taken a significant step toward modernizing its military capabilities with the introduction of two advanced drone systems: the **Ghost Shark**, an autonomous submarine drone, and the **MQ-28A Ghost Bat**, an aerial reconnaissance vehicle. These developments mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s entry into drone warfare, reflecting a shift in defense strategy.
The **Ghost Shark** is being manufactured by **Anduril Industries**, a U.S.-based defense technology firm, at a discreet facility in Sydney’s inner west. According to **David Goodrich**, the company’s executive chairman and chief executive, the facility opened recently, and engineers are already working on the drone’s intricate components. The Ghost Shark is designed to perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions without a crew, utilizing advanced artificial intelligence to make autonomous decisions.
The Australian government has committed **$1.7 billion** to acquire multiple units of the Ghost Shark for the **Royal Australian Navy**, with the first unit expected to be operational by **January 2024**. During a visit to the navy’s Garden Island base, Defence Minister **Richard Marles** hailed the Ghost Shark as the “highest tech capability in the world,” emphasizing the vehicle’s superiority over competing military technologies.
As Australia unveils its cutting-edge military drones, it also faces challenges from international competitors. Just a week prior to the Ghost Shark’s announcement, **China’s People’s Liberation Army** showcased advanced underwater drone capabilities during a military ceremony in Beijing. Marles asserted that Australia’s locally developed technology outpaces that of its rivals, stating, “Ghost Shark is the best underwater autonomous military capability on the planet.”
In addition to the Ghost Shark, the Australian Defence Force is preparing to integrate the Ghost Bat, which was designed and manufactured locally by **Boeing**. This drone is considered the first military combat aircraft developed in Australia in over 50 years. Known as a “loyal wingman,” the Ghost Bat is intended to operate in conjunction with traditional crewed aircraft, enhancing their operational effectiveness. **Pat Conroy**, the Defence Industry Minister, has emphasized the Ghost Bat’s potential to transform single fighter jets into coordinated combat teams.
Despite the advancements represented by the Ghost Shark and Ghost Bat, experts have noted that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been slow to embrace drone technology. **Mick Ryan**, a retired army major general, highlighted the ADF’s historical reluctance to adopt autonomous systems, indicating that Australia has fallen significantly behind other nations in this area.
Ryan noted that the ADF has been traditionally biased toward conventional military platforms, such as submarines and fighter jets. He pointed out that Australia only introduced its first armed drone, the U.S.-made **Switchblade 300**, into service this year, years after similar systems were employed by other militaries, including the United States.
The global military landscape has evolved rapidly, particularly with the prominent role of drones in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have successfully utilized drones for strategic operations, including a notable mission that reportedly damaged or destroyed multiple Russian aircraft. This shift has prompted nations, including **Britain**, to accelerate their drone programs and rethink their military strategies in light of the effectiveness of unmanned systems.
Australia’s government is aiming to invest **$10 billion** in drone and counter-drone technology over the next decade, with a particular focus on developing medium-range precision loitering munition systems. Analysts suggest that this investment is crucial for keeping pace with adversaries who are rapidly advancing their military technologies without the same ethical and legal constraints that guide democracies like Australia.
While the progress with the Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark is commendable, critics argue that Australia must expand its focus. Experts advocate for the acquisition of smaller, more affordable drones that can operate in swarms, enhancing deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries. As the ADF steps into the drone warfare era, the emphasis on innovation and rapid deployment will be vital to ensuring that Australia remains competitive on the global stage.
In summary, Australia’s advancements in drone technology represent a significant leap forward in its military capabilities. As the nation prepares to integrate these systems, the focus on innovation and strategic investment will determine its success in an increasingly complex and technologically driven defense landscape.
