Australia unveils Ghost Shark submarine drone's 'teeth'

Australia is boosting its undersea warfare capability by equipping its Ghost Shark autonomous submarine with "swarms" of aerial drones and sea mines, the defense ministry said. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy confirmed in Sydney that following secret trials, Australia approved three operational payloads for the autonomous submarine.

Sea Mines, up to 12 naval mines, giving the vessel persistent defensive and offensive seabed mining capabilities. Launch capabilities for Anduril’s Altius aerial drones, which can be deployed directly from the submerged or surfaced vessel to act in coordinated swarms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike missions. Modular insert options designed to support covert operations and specialized missions.