Australia's Ghost Shark submarine has impressively demonstrated its ability to launch aerial drones for military applications. Capable of deploying various payloads, from sea mines to logistical support, this platform significantly enhances operational flexibility. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy emphasized that the initiative is designed to refine autonomous underwater combat strategies, with advanced communication systems ensuring smooth coordination of drone operations.
Australia's Ghost Shark has revealed a new dimension of underwater warfare, launching aerial drones from its uncrewed submarine in a first-of-its-kind demonstration that could give underwater platforms the ability to extend their reach into the skies.According to The War Zone (TWZ), footage released by manufacturer Anduril shows Ghost Shark surfacing, opening its upper hull compartments and raising a launcher containing 12 angled tubes to deploy an ALTIUS-type aerial drone. The demonstration offers a glimpse of how autonomous underwater vehicles could carry and launch aerial assets for surveillance and strike missions.Australia's defence industry minister Pat Conroy said the Ghost Shark programme is being developed to expand the Royal Australian Navy's autonomous undersea warfare capabilities.On October 19, the Australian government disclosed three planned payload roles for the platform: deploying up to 12 sea mines, placing logistics caches on the seabed and launching aerial drones for surveillance and strike missions.The latest footage also reveals two retractable masts on Ghost Shark, offering new clues about how the underwater vehicle could communicate with its aerial drones. One larger mast rises from the centre of the hull and carries an antenna, while a smaller mast extends vertically from a separate compartment towards the rear.
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