Australia Leaps Ahead of US in Undersea Tech: Anduril's XL Drone Enters Service

Australia Takes the Lead: Anduril's XL Undersea Vehicle Set to Enter Service In a significant move that highlights Australia's commitment to advancing its defense capabilities, the country has successfully transitioned an extra-large undersea drone from concept to contract in just three years. With the help of defense startup Anduril, Australia has secured a massive AUS$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) contract for the XL uncrewed undersea vehicle (XLUUV) Ghost Shark, which will begin operations in Australian waters next year. The five-year award structure is a significant achievement for Anduril, as it becomes a program of record, essentially locking in recurring revenue by becoming a line item in Australia's defense budget. The contract covers delivery, maintenance, and continued development of the platform, which provides long-range, stealthy surveillance and strike operations. This marks a major milestone for the Australian government, which has demonstrated its commitment to fielding new capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region to deter the rising threat from China. According to Anduril President Chris Brose, "At the end of the day, this comes down to having seriousness, having imagination, and having will to conceive a new idea and bring it to fruition. Australia has fewer people, a lot less money, and many of the same bureaucratic challenges as the U.S., but they've shown a willingness to take risks and invest in innovation." The XL undersea vehicle is a significant technological advancement, capable of operating at depths of up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) for extended periods. Its stealthy design and advanced sensors enable it to gather critical intelligence and conduct strike operations with unprecedented precision. In contrast to the U.S. Navy's struggles to transition similar technology into service, Australia has demonstrated its ability to move quickly and effectively in acquiring cutting-edge capabilities. This achievement highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and advancing defense capabilities. The contract reflects the Australian government's growing recognition of the need for advanced undersea capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. With China's expanding military presence in the area, Australia is seeking to bolster its defenses and maintain a strong deterrent capability. As Anduril continues to develop and deploy the XL undersea vehicle, it is likely that other countries will take notice of Australia's success. The implications of this technology are far-reaching, with potential applications in areas such as maritime security, search and rescue operations, and environmental monitoring. The deployment of the Ghost Shark fleet marks a significant step forward for Australia's defense capabilities, and sets a precedent for other countries to follow. As Brose noted, "This is a testament to what can be achieved when governments are willing to take risks and invest in innovation." *Reporting by Techcrunch.*