BREAKING: Australia has officially entered the age of drone warfare with the unveiling of the $1.7 billion investment into the Ghost Shark, an advanced autonomous submarine drone designed by Anduril Industries. This significant development was confirmed by Defence Minister Richard Marles at a ceremony held at the navy’s Garden Island base, marking a pivotal shift in the Royal Australian Navy’s capabilities.
The Ghost Shark, manufactured in a covert Sydney facility, is designed to execute reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions without crew members on board. This cutting-edge drone utilizes powerful AI technology to make autonomous decisions, making it a vital asset for modern warfare. The first operational Ghost Shark is expected to be deployed in January 2024.
Marles emphasized that the Ghost Shark represents the “highest tech capability in the world,” asserting its superiority over other military technologies, particularly in light of recent displays of military might by China. He stated, “Ghost Shark is the best underwater autonomous military capability on the planet,” a claim underscored by the secrecy surrounding its specifications to prevent foreign adversaries from replicating it.
In a parallel development, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat drone, Australia’s first military combat aircraft designed entirely locally in over 50 years, has also been making headlines. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy and Air Force Chief Stephen Chappell observed its first public test flight in Woomera, South Australia, highlighting its potential to work alongside traditional fighter jets.
The Albanese government is investing heavily in drone technology, with plans to allocate $10 billion over the next decade—including over $4 billion specifically for aerial drones. This commitment comes after years of criticism regarding the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) slow adoption of drone technology, especially compared to global counterparts.
Retired army major general Mick Ryan and other military experts have noted that the ADF has been lagging in embracing autonomous systems, a critical component of modern warfare. The recent advancements, particularly with the Ghost Shark and Ghost Bat, signal a shift towards addressing these concerns, though experts warn that Australia remains at least a decade behind nations like China in the drone race.
The urgency for Australia to enhance its military capabilities has never been more pronounced, especially given the pivotal role drones have played in recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. As the ADF ramps up its investment in drone technology, the pressure mounts to catch up with international advancements in autonomous systems.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the operational rollout of the Ghost Shark and Ghost Bat. The government’s commitment to drone innovation could reshape Australia’s military landscape, but experts like Michael Shoebridge caution that while progress is being made, the nation must accelerate its efforts to remain competitive on the global stage.
Stay tuned for further updates as Australia takes significant steps towards modernizing its military capabilities in this new era of drone warfare.
