The “ghost shark” drones are slated to become operational for the Royal Australian Navy early next year, following a contract agreement between the Department of Defence and Anduril Australia for the delivery, upkeep, and further development of these unmanned submarines over the next five years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he remains confident of the deal being signed despite the delay.

This morning, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles revealed the agreement, emphasizing that the new fleet will equip Australia with “world-leading” long-distance stealth capabilities.

Concerns arose three years ago when China entered into a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, which heightened worries about the possibility of the People’s Liberation Army Navy establishing a presence in the South Pacific, near Australian borders.

When questioned about the likelihood of Beijing establishing a security presence in the area, Marles acknowledged that the Pacific region is becoming more competitive but assured that Australia is well-positioned to address the challenges present there. “I’m really confident that we have been able to make progress in that and that we are the first partner of choice in terms of security for the nations of the Pacific,” he stated.