Australia is developing new weapons for Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicles, ranging from sea mines to aerial drones, according to a joint statement by Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and Minister for Defense Industry Pat Conroy published on Monday.

"The modular design of these platforms allows them to operate a range of different payloads, customised to the required mission. Payload examples include the remote delivery of supply caches, sea mines and uncrewed aerial vehicles," the statement read.

The new systems are being developed and integrated not only into Ghost Shark underwater vehicles, but also into Speartooth and BlueBottle unmanned surface vehicles.

The new technologies are intended to expand the capabilities of the Australian Navy in conducting underwater combat operations, seabed operations, denying the enemy access to maritime areas and protecting critical underwater infrastructure.

According to Australia's 2026 defense strategy, the government intends to spend up to $4 billion over 10 years on programs to bolster autonomous and unmanned underwater warfare capabilities. Of this amount, about $1.2 billion is earmarked for the acquisition of a fleet of Ghost Shark underwater vehicles.

@Sputnik