Australia reveals Ghost Shark submarines can deploy mines and drones

Summary

Australia has unveiled three previously secret payloads for its Ghost Shark autonomous submarine drone: sea mines, logistical caches and Altius aerial drones capable of surveillance and strikes, Euronews reports. ABC says newly declassified details show the Australian-made submarines will be able to set sea mines and launch armed aerial drones. Channel NewsAsia reports that officials say Ghost Sharks can travel long distances and work alongside the crewed submarine fleet.

Timeline

1. Channel NewsAsia

   19 Oct 2026, 05:37 UTCSource ↗

   Channel NewsAsia reports that officials say Ghost Shark submarines can travel long distances and work alongside the crewed submarine fleet, and are to carry aerial drones and sea mines.

2. ABC

   19 Oct 2026, 06:17 UTCSource ↗

   ABC reports that newly declassified details say the Australian-made autonomous submarines will be able to set sea mines and launch armed aerial drones.

3. Euronews

   19 Oct 2026, 09:33 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that Australia unveiled three previously secret Ghost Shark payloads: sea mines, logistical caches and Altius aerial drones capable of surveillance and strikes.

4. Euronews

   19 Oct 2026, 09:33 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that Australia unveiled three previously secret Ghost Shark payloads: sea mines, logistical caches and Altius aerial drones capable of surveillance and strikes.