By Saadet Gokce
ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia said Wednesday that it will build a long-range underwater drone fleet worth AUD1.7 billion Australian dollars ($1.1 billion).
The navy will begin operating the lethal drones in January, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The "Ghost Sharks" will be capable of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike operations.
Acting Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles said the project is "in conjunction with" the AUD$368 billion AUKUS defense pact with the US, and not a replacement.
In September 2021, the US, the UK and Australia signed the AUKUS pact, under which Canberra would receive nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.
US President Donald Trump initiated a review of the pact in June to assess whether it aligns with his “America First” policy priorities.
"Ghost Shark operates in conjunction with it, that's the point that I made up front. It also works in conjunction with our surface fleet, in what is clear is that going forward nations will need to have an autonomous military capability and that's what Ghost Shark represents," said Marles.
"We will also need very much a long-range capable submarine in the future and I'm really confident that's what we're developing under the banner of AUKUS by providing Australia with that capability," he added.
While not specifying how many drones would be acquired, Marles said there would be "dozens," with some entering service early next year.
"This is the highest tech capability in the world, it exemplifies the fact that Australia is leading the world in terms of autonomous underwater military capabilities," said Marles.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said Ghost Sharks could be launched from onshore and warships.