Australia Equips Ghost Shark Submarines With Mines and Drones
Australia is enhancing its Ghost Shark autonomous submarines with sea mines and Altius aerial drones under a A$1.8 billion contract with Anduril Industries.
The Australian government is expanding its undersea warfare capabilities by equipping Ghost Shark autonomous submarines with sea mines and Altius aerial drones. Developed in partnership with US defense technology firm Anduril Industries, these extra-large submarine drones are being produced under a A$1.8 billion contract.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced that the submarines can carry special forces equipment and up to 12 sea mines. The accompanying aerial drones are designed to form swarms for strike missions and reconnaissance. Conroy stated that "not only could there be Ghost Sharks in those shipping containers, but those Ghost Sharks now have teeth."
This initiative follows a pledge among AUKUS partners—Australia, Britain, and the United States—to create interchangeable payloads for undersea drones. The investment comes as Australia addresses the rapid growth of the Chinese navy and persistent tensions in the South China Sea.
