The United States has purchased three stealthy autonomous underwater vehicles from the Australian defence company C2 Robotics [1].
The acquisition marks a significant shift in maritime strategy by integrating affordable, unmanned stealth technology into U.S. naval operations. For Australia, the deal represents a major milestone for its domestic defence industry and its ability to export high-end military technology.
C2 Robotics designed the drones to operate with a low profile to avoid detection. The company said these vehicles provide a specialized capability for underwater surveillance and warfare. The drones are intended to offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional manned submarines while maintaining high levels of stealth.
Troy Duggan said the technology is an "incredible capability."
He said the vehicles are saleable, affordable, and very stealthy, according to Sky News Australia.
The sale of three units [1] allows the U.S. to test and integrate these autonomous systems into its broader maritime fleet. While some reports indicate similar Ghost Shark XL-AUV technology is entering service within Australia, this specific transaction focuses on the transfer of assets to the U.S. military.
This partnership leverages Australian engineering to meet U.S. demands for unmanned underwater systems. The move is expected to influence how both nations approach undersea warfare and reconnaissance in contested waters.
“It’s an incredible capability.”
This transaction signals a growing reliance on autonomous systems to reduce the risk to human personnel in dangerous maritime environments. By sourcing stealth drones from Australia, the U.S. is diversifying its defense supply chain and accelerating the deployment of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to counter adversarial naval presence in strategic waterways.
