Ghost Shark drones to carry sea mines and UAVs

Australia is equipping its Ghost Shark autonomous submarine drone with sea mines and aerial drones, the defence ministry said on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said in Sydney that three payloads had been approved after secret trials. He said the Ghost Shark would be able to carry up to 12 sea mines, equipment for special forces and Anduril's Altius aerial drone, which can be launched at sea for reconnaissance and strike operations.

US defence technology company Anduril jointly developed the extra-large submarine drone with Australian defence scientists. It is building a Ghost Shark fleet for Canberra under a Au$1.8 billion, or US$1.3 billion, contract.

Conroy said other countries had expressed interest in acquiring the Ghost Shark. Officials said the drone can travel long distances and would operate alongside crewed submarines.

The announcement comes as Australia expands investment in drones and works with Britain and the United States under AUKUS, including on undersea warfare technology and nuclear submarine cooperation.