AUSTRALIA is building a fleet of stealthy robot submarines dubbed “Ghost Sharks” to patrol its waters and defend itself from the threat of China.
The extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles, capable of striking targets and leading intelligence missions, marks a move into a new era of undersea warfare.
NCA NewsWireThe first prototype of the underwater robot sub ‘Ghost Shark’ – a beast of a machine set to bolster Australia’s ocean defence[/caption]
Australia’s government said the Ghost Shark – officially known as XL-AUV – is a “game changer” as it unveiled its first prototype today.
The lethal-looking sub – roughly the size of a single-decker bus – will be able to reach a depth of 6000 metres, and be able to stay on a mission for up to 10 days.
Defence scientists, Navy personnel and robotics specialists are working together to design several XL-AUVs that will be deployed to fortify ocean patrols and protections.
It will provide its Navy with a “stealthy, long-range autonomous undersea warfare capability” and will conduct “persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strikes”.
Praising the prototype, Navy chief, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, said Ghost Shark was crucial to Australia’s defence, News.com.au reports.
He said: “We are a nation girt by sea, and the Ghost Shark is one of the tools we are developing for the Navy to patrol and protect our oceans and our connection to the world,” he said.
By creating the Ghost Shark, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said that “a clear statement is being made about Defence’s commitment to the program.”
The government stated that the project would be “mission zero” meaning it would be the highest-level of priority – and it hopes the Ghost Shark will be ready for deployment in 2025.
Yesterday, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the defence budget would be bolstered by AUD$50billion (£36bn) in the next decade.
The focus, he said, will be on a naval capabilities in a bid to combat the threat of an increasingly militarised and aggressive China.
In 2022, the then Head of Navy Capability Rear Admiral Peter Quinn said the Ghost Shark “They have the capacity to remain at sea undetected for very long periods, carry various military payloads and cover very long distances.”
It follows an announcement in February that Australia was building a £206m fleet of “Ghost Bat” killer drones armed to protect fighter jets and carry out secret missions.
As part of the “Loyal Wingman” project, the lethal UAVs are being designed to carry huge payloads, defend warplanes, dodge air defence systems and conduct surveillance.
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat will be able to travel more than 3,700km and is designed to fly as a partner to manned aircraft, including F-35s, Super Hornets and P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance planes.
As well as offering fighter jet-like performance, the 12 metre-long drone would also be used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
It will be the first military combat aircraft designed and manufactured in Australia in over 50 years – with over 55 companies involved in the project.
NCA NewsWire / Martin OllmanDefence Industry Minister Pat Conroy praised the ‘Ghost Shark’ project[/caption]
Australia’s ‘Ghost Bat’ killer drones are still in testing – but one day may fly into battle with warplanes
The state-of-the-art UAVs will only cost 10 per cent of a manned aircraft, but will carry out many of the same combat roles