Reference News Network, September 13 report - According to the Al Jazeera website on September 10, Australia will invest 1.7 billion Australian dollars (about 1.1 billion US dollars) to build a large "Ghost Shark" underwater unmanned attack fleet. Officials said this move will complement the country's plan to purchase advanced nuclear-powered submarines.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said on the 10th that the "Ghost Shark" unmanned submersibles will supplement the Australian Navy's surface fleet and submarines, "enhancing the navy's combat effectiveness."

Marles said: "This is a very important capability for the Royal Australian Navy."

The Australian government said it has signed a 1.1 billion dollar, five-year contract with Anduril Australia Company to build, maintain, and develop this unmanned submersible in Australia.

Marles said that these submersibles will have "very long range" and "stealth capabilities."

Australia is undergoing a major military restructuring, focusing on strengthening long-range strike capabilities.

Marles also said that Australia is now a leader in "autonomous underwater military capabilities," and that the "Ghost Shark" can participate in intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strikes.

Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said that Australia will build dozens of "Ghost Sharks" and has the opportunity to export them to allied countries. He also said that the first "Ghost Sharks" will begin service in early 2026.

The Australian Defense Science and Technology Group said it hopes to incorporate autonomous technology into the country's defense forces, as Australia has a long coastline and vast ocean areas to defend, but its population is relatively small.

In addition, Australia plans to build stealth nuclear-powered submarines with the UK and the US under the AUKUS project over the next 30 years.

However, critics within the United States question why the US government does not first stockpile for its own military before selling nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.

Due to these criticisms, the Trump administration has launched an assessment of the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with Trump's "America First" agenda. (Translated by Li Sha)

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