Australia has disclosed previously classified payloads for its Ghost Shark uncrewed underwater vehicles. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy named aerial drones, sea mines and supplies for special forces. The announcement accompanies a US–British–Australian maritime exercise and an offer to share payloads and sensors across different platforms under the AUKUS security partnership’s advanced-technology programme.
Australia disclosed previously classified payloads for Ghost Shark, its uncrewed underwater vehicle programme, on October 19. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy named Altius aerial drones, sea mines and equipment caches for special forces. He unveiled the options at defence technology company Anduril’s factory in Sydney. The disclosure identifies the missions planned for the vehicles as the Australian government continues acquiring its fleet.[1], [2]
Altius drones can conduct reconnaissance or carry an explosive payload for strikes, according to the announced configurations. The sea-mine option provides a separate underwater warfare role. Another configuration carries equipment and supplies for special forces to retrieve at sea. Ghost Shark’s modular arrangement allows different equipment to be fitted for different missions. The disclosure does not include independent combat-testing results for every stated role.[1]
The announcement coincides with Maritime Big Play, an exercise off southern California involving Australia, the United States and Britain. It belongs to advanced-technology cooperation under their AUKUS security partnership. Conroy offered Australian-developed payloads and sensors for use by partners, including across different underwater platforms. Australia signed a 1.7 billion Australian dollar Ghost Shark contract last year; the first vehicle was delivered in January. The government has described a fleet of dozens without giving an exact total.[1]
