Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 17 hrs ago
Australia’s Ghost Shark drones to carry mines and aerial drones
Australia says its Ghost Shark unmanned submarines will carry new military payloads as they enter service with the navy.
The vessels, made by US defence firm Anduril, can deploy up to 12 sea mines or carry aerial drones for surveillance and attacks.
They can also leave equipment and supplies underwater for special forces to retrieve.
The change expands the role of the drones, which Australia is investing in to patrol its large maritime territory as its crewed surface fleet shrinks.
Australia is also adding towed sonar to Bluebottle surface drones so they can search for submarines.
The systems will be shown at an exercise near San Diego this week involving Australia, the United States and Britain.
Australia says its Ghost Shark unmanned submarines will be able to deploy up to 12 sea mines, launch aerial drones or carry equipment for special forces.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced the expanded capabilities on October 19 in Sydney.
The government says the submarines are designed for complex missions far from Australia’s shores.
The announcement also included a towed-sonar capability for Bluebottle autonomous surface vessels to search for submarines.
The technologies are due to be showcased at an exercise near San Diego this week.
- Who
- The Australian government, represented by Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, announced the expanded capabilities.
- What
- Ghost Shark submarines will be able to deploy up to 12 sea mines, carry aerial drones or transport equipment for special forces.
- When
- October 19, 2026.
- Where
- The announcement was made in Sydney, Australia.
- Why
- The government says the systems will support complex missions far from Australia’s shores. The sources also describe investment in naval drones to patrol the country’s maritime territory.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The government announced it would spend almost A$2 billion to buy Ghost Shark drones, according to the Straits Times.
Conroy announced that Ghost Sharks would be able to deploy sea mines, aerial drones or equipment for special forces.
The technologies are due to be showcased at an exercise near San Diego.
- Maximum mine payload
- Up to 12 sea mines
- Announcement date
- October 19, 2026
- Announced by
- Pat Conroy, Defence Industry Minister
- Manufacturer
- Anduril Industries
- Bluebottle capability
- Towed-sonar array to search for submarines
3 sources
What people are saying
The Ghost Shark now has teeth, and we’ll have the ability to inflict damage on any potential adversary
Ghost Sharks capable of a range of complex missions operating far from our shores are now rolling off the line at an increasing rate into the hands of the Australian Navy
Ghost Shark is a flagship Australian success story that showcases the ingenuity of our defence industry and the value of investing in sovereign capability