Australia has announced plans to add dozens of advanced underwater drones to its navy. It's part of the country's efforts to boost defenses in the face of China's growing maritime activities.



The government unveiled the plan on Wednesday. It says it will spend 1.1 billion US dollars over the next five years to produce the Ghost Shark drones.



"The Ghost Shark is capable of engaging in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike," Defence Minister Richard Marles said. "This is a profoundly important capability for the Royal Australian Navy."



The Ghost Shark can operate autonomously for long distances. It also has stealth capabilities that are believed to make it hard to detect on enemy radar.



Australia sees the development of the drone as vital, given the country's vast coastline and relatively small population.



Defense industry minister Pat Conroy called the Ghost Shark's capability "world class." He also expressed hopes of expanding cooperation with Japan on maritime defense.



"We are interested in opportunities with countries like Japan," he told NHK after the announcement. "We can collaboratively work together between our two defense industrial bases that have great capabilities."



The Australian government recently chose Japan to partner on the development of a new ship for the country's navy.
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Quiz 1:
Australia is planning to invest how much money over the next five years in the production of the Ghost Shark drones?
A. 500 million US dollars
B. 1 billion US dollars
C. 2 billion US dollars
D. 3 billion US dollars

Quiz 2:
Which of the following capabilities does the Ghost Shark drone possess?
A. Long-range autonomous operation and stealth capabilities but not engagement in strike missions
B. Engagement in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions but lacks long-range autonomous operation and stealth capabilities
C. Ability to detect enemies on radar and collaboration with Japan for maritime defense
D. Capable of only coastline surveillance

Quiz 3:
Why did the Australian government choose Japan to partner with in the development of a new ship for its navy?
A. To expand cooperation with China on maritime defense
B. Because of the technological superiority of American naval ships
C. Due to the country's vast coastline and relatively small population
D. For the financial benefits and strategic advantages it offers