{"id":18960,"date":"2025-09-14T16:08:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T15:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visegradpost.com\/?p=18960"},"modified":"2025-09-13T15:47:19","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T14:47:19","slug":"australia-deploys-1-1-billion-ai-ghost-sharks-underwater-attack-drones-enter-service-2026-while-pentagons-orca-program-faces-delays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visegradpost.com\/en\/2025\/09\/14\/australia-deploys-1-1-billion-ai-ghost-sharks-underwater-attack-drones-enter-service-2026-while-pentagons-orca-program-faces-delays\/","title":{"rendered":"“Australia Deploys $1.1 Billion AI Ghost Sharks”: Underwater Attack Drones Enter Service 2026 While Pentagon’s Orca Program Faces Delays"},"content":{"rendered":"
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IN A NUTSHELL<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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  • \ud83d\ude80 Australia and Anduril announce a AUS$1.7 billion<\/strong> deal for the rapid development of the Ghost Shark<\/strong> undersea drones.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83e\udd1d The collaboration showcases the power of public-private partnerships<\/strong> in expediting defense technology.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83d\udd0d The Ghost Shark<\/strong> will enhance Australia’s naval capabilities with its stealthy, long-range operations.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 The U.S. faces challenges with its Orca XLUUV program, highlighting Australia’s successful fast-track acquisition<\/strong> approach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

    Australia’s defense sector has taken a significant leap forward with the rapid development of the Ghost Shark, an Extra Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (XL-AUV). In a move that underscores its commitment to enhancing naval capabilities, Australia announced a AUS$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) deal with defense tech company Anduril to produce these stealthy, long-range drones. This initiative marks a stark contrast to the U.S. Navy\u2019s delayed Orca XLUUV program. The Ghost Shark is set to enter service by January 2026, offering a glimpse into how swiftly a nation can field new technology when industry and government collaborate effectively.<\/p>\n

    Innovative Collaboration Accelerates Development<\/h2>\n

    The development of the Ghost Shark exemplifies how collaborative efforts between government and private industry can expedite technological advancements. In 2022, Australia and Anduril each invested $50 million into the project, sharing both the costs and risks. This partnership enabled the first prototype to be delivered in April 2024, a full year ahead of schedule. The swift progress demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in defense procurement.<\/p>\n

    Anduril’s executive chairman and CEO, David Goodrich, highlighted the ongoing development of new capabilities, ensuring that the Ghost Shark remains adaptive to future threats. The company\u2019s willingness to invest its own capital underscores its confidence in the project\u2019s success. As Chris Brose, company president, articulated, the collaboration showcases the power of “seriousness, imagination, and the will to conceive a new era.”<\/p>\n

    \u00ab\u00a0One Center Fuselage Every 30 Hours\u00a0\u00bb: Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Assembly Line Produces F-35 Components Using Advanced Robotics<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n