Australia names future XLAUV as the Ghost Shark
Anduril Industries’ Dive-LD, pictured here, will serve as a testbed as the company develops an XLAUUV for Australia’s navy. (Photo: Anduril)
Australia has named its future extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV), being developed by Anduril Industries, as the Ghost Shark.
A naming ceremony took place in Sydney Harbour, according to a statement by Anduril on 12 December.
The name for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) future craft is also a nod to the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an autonomous loyal wingman developed for the RAAF by Boeing Defence Australia.
On the same occasion, Anduril welcomed the arrival of a 2.8t and 5.8m-long Dive-LD AUV from the US, which will be utilised as a testbed for the development of the RAN’s
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.