Australia is accelerating the development of its autonomous military capabilities with the Ghost Shark underwater drone and MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft. The Ghost Shark, launched in mid-2022, is an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle designed for intelligence gathering and surveillance, with a range of at least 3,200 kilometers. The Australian government has approved a A$1.7 billion (approximately $1.1 billion USD) contract for the production and maintenance of these drones, with deployment expected in early 2026. Meanwhile, the Ghost Bat, which first flew in March 2021, has completed over 100 test flights and achieved a significant milestone by successfully firing an air-to-air missile in December 2025. Both systems are part of Australia's broader defense strategy to integrate advanced technology and reduce risks to personnel, supported by the AUKUS partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom. This shift towards autonomous warfare aims to enhance Australia's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions.