Ghost Shark subs: Richard Marles announces $1.7 billion commitment to manufacture autonomous submarines

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has announced a $1.7 billion defence commitment to manufacture highly sophisticated autonomous submarines, capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike operations.

“Today, we are announcing a $1.7 billion commitment over the next five years to manufacturer Ghost Shark in Australia,” Mr Marles said on Wednesday.

Defence has signed a contract with Anduril Australia for the delivery, maintenance and continued development of the Ghost Shark over the next five years in Australia.

“The Ghost Shark is a world-leading platform made right here in Australia,” Mr Marles said.

A Defence statement described the Ghost Shark as a “cutting-edge platform” that is “designed to conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike operations, stealthily and at long range”.

“It will deliver a significant boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities – complementing Navy’s future surface combatant fleet and conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines.”

Mr Marles said the Ghost Shark “exemplifies the fact that Australia is leading the world in terms of autonomous underwater military capabilities”.

“A ghost shark is capable of engaging in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike,” he said.

“This is a profoundly important capability for the Royal Australian Navy.”

Mr Marles said the contract will see “dozens of these units built for the Royal Australian Navy”.

The Minister for Defence would not share specific numbers of subs.

The massive investment, Mr Marles said would supporting around 120 jobs and during the life of this contract, it will create another 150 jobs at the facility in Alexandria, Sydney.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “This is a critical capability that the Albanese Government is delivering at pace – with all three prototypes delivered on budget and ahead of schedule.”

“Our investment backs in 120 existing workers and creates more than 150 new high-skilled, local jobs.

“This reflects the Albanese Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting Australian innovation, backing Australian workers and building a defence future made in Australia.”

More to come...