Australia Unveils $1.1 Billion ‘Ghost Shark’ Naval Drone Fleet

### Quick Summary
– Australia announced plans to invest $1.1 billion (€939 million) in a fleet of Ghost Shark underwater attack drones.- Defense Minister Richard Marles stated the drones represent “the highest tech capability in the world” adn will position Australia as a leader in autonomous, underwater military technologies.
– The initial batch of Ghost Sharks, domestically developed with long-range and stealth capabilities, will be delivered to the Australian Navy by january 2026.- Over the next five years, dozens are expected to be manufactured for deployment.
– The drones aim to boost Australia’s defense posture amidst concerns regarding China’s military expansion in the Pacific region.
– Navy Chief Mark Hammond emphasized their operational flexibility, noting that these autonomous drones can be launched from shore or surface ships.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis
Australia’s strategic investment in Ghost Shark naval drones signals its intent to enhance regional maritime security amid rising tensions with China over Pacific affairs. Autonomous underwater systems like these coudl redefine naval warfare by offering cost-effective and risk-reducing alternatives compared to traditional crewed submarines while complementing nuclear-powered submarine fleets.

For India, this advancement may have implications for regional power dynamics, especially given its own evolving relations with both Australia and China within Indo-Pacific frameworks such as QUAD. While strengthening partnerships with resourceful allies may ensure India’s technological competitiveness in similar defense advancements over time, careful calibration of strategies is essential considering neighboring sensitivities.

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