First Ghost Shark swims off Anduril’s new Australian factory floor - Asian Military Review

Anduril Australia Opens New Ghost Shark Factory

On 31 October 2025, Anduril Australia inaugurated its 7,400m² Ghost Shark manufacturing facility in Sydney. This plant will produce advanced autonomous underwater vehicles for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Launch Event and Attendees

The ceremony was attended by Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. At the event, the first series-produced Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV) was unveiled ahead of its delivery schedule.

“The Ghost Shark is the most high-tech, long-range autonomous underwater capability that exists in the world today….” – Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry

Contract and Production Timeline

This launch follows the RAN’s award of a A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) contract to Anduril for a fleet of Ghost Sharks, announced just seven weeks earlier. The initial vessel is prepared for in-water testing and is expected to be delivered by January 2026. Additional XLAUVs will be produced over the next five years.

Anduril is currently in the low-rate initial production phase, planning to transition to full-scale manufacturing in 2026.

Project Significance

“This project is an exemplar of how the government and Defence are partnering with innovative companies to rapidly deliver capability to the warfighter.” – Pat Conroy

Background on Development

Before this programme of record, Anduril Australia collaborated with the RAN on three Ghost Shark prototypes through a three-year contract valued at A$140 million (US$92 million).

Author's summary: Anduril’s new Sydney factory marks a key advance in underwater defence technology, supporting the RAN’s fleet expansion under a significant multi-billion-dollar contract.

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Asian Military Review Asian Military Review — 2025-11-05

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