First Ghost Shark Swims Off Anduril’s New Australian Factory Floor
Anduril Australia inaugurated its new Ghost Shark production plant in Sydney on 31 October 2025. Covering 7,400 square meters, the facility will manufacture advanced autonomous underwater vessels for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The opening ceremony, attended by Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, marked the rollout of the first serially produced Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV), completed ahead of schedule.
“The Ghost Shark is the most high-tech, long-range autonomous underwater capability that exists in the world today,” said Pat Conroy.
The milestone followed the RAN’s recent A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) contract awarded to Anduril for a fleet of Ghost Shark vehicles. The first unit is now set for in-water testing and is expected to enter RAN service by January 2026. Additional XLAUVs will be delivered over the next five years.
Anduril has entered the low-rate initial production phase, ramping up toward full manufacturing in 2026.
Conroy highlighted that the program “is an exemplar of how the government and Defence are partnering with innovative companies to rapidly deliver capability to the warfighter.”
Before securing the full production contract, Anduril Australia had co-developed and completed three Ghost Shark prototypes under a three-year A$140 million (US$92 million) project.
Author’s Summary
The Ghost Shark factory launch marks a major leap in Australia’s maritime defense capability, blending innovation, autonomy, and rapid production for the Royal Australian Navy.