Australia unveils modular payloads for Ghost Shark extra-large underwater drone including aerial drones and mine-laying
Australia's Department of Defence unveiled modular payloads for Anduril's Ghost Shark extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle, including aerial drone deployment, mine-laying and seabed resupply missions. The payloads will also integrate with C2 Robotics' Speartooth UUV and Ocius's Bluebottle unmanned surface vessel. Images released by the ministry show Ghost Shark's payload bay for the first time.
Anduril exploring European production of Steelfin interceptor missiles, executive says
U.S. defense firm Anduril could eventually manufacture its newly unveiled Steelfin interceptor missiles in Europe, according to a company executive. The statement follows Anduril's recent introduction of the Steelfin family, positioned as a lower-cost alternative to Patriot PAC-3.
Why it matters: Anduril is pre-selling European production before a single European order—smart if you believe Patriot shortages will force NATO to certify American alternatives, optimistic if you think integration timelines matter.
Thales Australia develops BladeHAUL autonomous big-rig truck for battlefield logistics
Thales Australia is working on autonomy features for a new heavy cargo robot called BladeHAUL, capable of carrying a 20-foot container or serving as a large mobile battery in the field, Defense News reports. The vehicle is based on a commercial big-rig platform and is intended to reduce the need for human drivers in contested logistics zones. Thales has not disclosed a customer or fielding timeline.
Why it matters: A 20-foot container holds 20 tonnes — autonomous logistics at that scale removes the single biggest manpower constraint in expeditionary operations.
U.S. Navy awards HII $56 million for AUKUS submarine design and engineering support
The U.S. Navy awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding a $56.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering and technical support on nuclear-powered submarines for AUKUS partners Australia and the United Kingdom. Foreign partner funds cover the full cost.
Huntington Ingalls IndustriesU.S. NavyUnited StatesAustraliaUnited Kingdom Defence Blog →Naval Technology →
Anduril unveils Steelfin interceptor family, positioning as cheaper alternative to PAC-3
Anduril Industries revealed Steelfin, a modular family of surface-to-air interceptors designed to defeat cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles at a fraction of current costs. The company plans to begin flight tests in 2027 and claims the design can be reconfigured to counter both low-cost drones and exquisite threats. Steelfin competes in the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor programme. Executives say the missile leverages common components to enable high-volume production.
Why it matters: The company that has already won a five-year Army C2 contract and a $3.7 billion submarine-parts deal is now bidding to become the Pentagon's high-volume interceptor supplier — a direct run at RTX and Lockheed.
Anduril IndustriesU.S. Army Breaking Defense →The War Zone →Defence Blog →Defence Industry Europe →