Australia reveals new sea mine and aerial drone payloads for Ghost Shark

Australia has revealed three previously secret payloads for its Ghost Shark autonomous submarine drone, Euronews reported on Monday. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced the new capabilities in Sydney. As Euronews and Defence Connect reported, the additions include sea mines, logistical caches and aerial drones. [1][5]

The Altius aerial drones equipped on the submarine can conduct surveillance and execute strikes, Euronews reported. Defence Connect added that the Extra Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicle can also deploy drone swarms and logistical caches that hold Australian-developed equipment. [1][3][5]

Unmanned underwater vehicles are submersible craft that operate underwater without a human occupant, functioning as either remotely operated vehicles or autonomous underwater vehicles, according to Wikipedia. Speaking in Sydney, Conroy said the newly revealed equipment will expand the operational role of the Ghost Shark and strengthen Australia's undersea warfare capabilities, Euronews reported. [1][8]