While U.S. stalls, Australia and Anduril move to put XL undersea vehicle into service

Australia, in partnership with defense startup Anduril, has successfully transitioned the extra-large uncrewed undersea vehicle (XLUUV) known as the "Ghost Shark" from concept to contract within three years—a milestone the U.S. Navy has struggled to achieve with its own XLUUV programs. Under a AUS$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) five-year contract, Australia will deploy a fleet of Ghost Sharks for long-range, stealthy surveillance and strike missions in Indo-Pacific waters starting next year. This contract includes delivery, maintenance, and ongoing development, marking a significant commitment by Australia to rapidly field advanced undersea capabilities amid rising regional tensions with China. The Ghost Shark program exemplifies a new defense procurement model, with Anduril co-developing and co-funding the vehicle alongside Australia, each contributing $50 million. The first prototype was delivered ahead of schedule in April 2024, and production is underway. Unlike the U.S. Navy’s Boeing