Anduril Australia Opens Ghost Shark Factory in Sydney, Delivers First XL-AUV Ahead of Schedule
- MM24 News Desk
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Royal Australian Navy's ambitious A$1.7 billion program to acquire the advanced Ghost Shark autonomous submarine has hit a major milestone, with the first vehicle rolling off the production line ahead of schedule. Anduril Australia officially opened its state-of-the-art, 7,400m² manufacturing facility in Sydney, marking the start of low-rate production for what officials call the world's most sophisticated long-range autonomous underwater vehicle.
The factory opening, attended by senior government and defence officials, signals a rapid acceleration for the strategic program. Just seven weeks after the massive Program of Record was formally awarded, the first Ghost Shark Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XL-AUV) is already prepared for sea acceptance testing, keeping it on track for planned delivery to the Royal Australian Navy in January 2026.
This rapid progress builds on Anduril's earlier success under a co-development contract, where the company delivered three prototype Ghost Sharks in just three years, both ahead of schedule and on-budget, reported Anduril's official release. The new Sydney facility represents a significant investment in sovereign capability, designed specifically to manufacture these advanced undersea systems at scale.
David Goodrich OAM, Chairman & CEO of Anduril Australia, emphasized the strategic importance of this achievement during the opening ceremony. "Today marks a defining moment in our mission to bring sovereign undersea capability to Australia," he stated. "With the opening of this new facility, we are not only building local infrastructure and workforce — we are investing in innovation, in partnerships, and in the future defence of our nation."
The manufacturing hub incorporates cutting-edge technology throughout the production process. Advanced robotic systems handle precision manufacturing, while AI-driven ground vehicles and gantry tracking systems manage logistics autonomously. Perhaps most innovatively, the facility features a custom in-water test tank that allows for verification of buoyancy, electrical systems, and safety protocols before vehicles ever leave for sea trials.
Why does this manufacturing breakthrough matter for Australia's defence strategy? The concept of "affordable, disruptive and distributed mass" represents a fundamental shift in undersea warfare, according to Anduril's release. Instead of relying solely on small numbers of expensive, crewed submarines, autonomous systems like Ghost Shark can be produced in larger quantities, creating a more resilient and versatile undersea fleet.
The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, didn't mince words when describing the capability's significance. "The Ghost Shark is the most high-tech long range autonomous underwater capability that exists in the world today," he declared, highlighting the government's commitment to "backing Australian ingenuity and innovation" while securing "hundreds of well-paid high-skilled jobs and a future made in Australia."
Beyond the immediate defence applications, the program has already generated substantial economic benefits. The production effort involves a supply chain of over 40 Australian SMEs providing components and materials, creating more than 150 high-skilled jobs and strengthening the nation's sovereign industrial base. The facility is configured to manufacture not just the military XL-AUV but also commercial variants like the Dive-XL and Dive-LD.
Looking forward, the Sydney factory stands ready to support future autonomous platforms, including Anduril's Copperhead family of high-speed autonomous underwater vehicles. Subject to Australian government approval, the facility could also produce vehicles for export to allies and partners worldwide, potentially positioning Australia as a global hub for advanced undersea technology.
With low-rate initial production already underway and full-scale production scheduled for 2026, the Ghost Shark program demonstrates how rapidly autonomous systems can be developed and deployed compared to traditional defence projects. As the first vehicle prepares for undersea testing, Australia moves closer to deploying what could become one of the most capable autonomous undersea systems in service anywhere.
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