Stealthy submarine drones will bolster the Australian navy, allowing it to expand surveillance and increase long-range strike power.

The federal government has put $1.7 billion toward the Ghost Shark, with the first tranche to arrive in January 2026.

An exact number hasn't been publicly stated, but Defence Minister Richard Marles said it would be in the dozens over five years.

"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," Mr Marles told reporters at Sydney's Garden Island naval base on Wednesday.

The drones will operate alongside Australia's naval fleet and can be used with its submarines, including nuclear-powered vessels it will acquire from the United States in

See Full Page