Ghost Shark Submarine Demonstrates First Aerial Drone Launch

Key points

• Anduril published video showing a Ghost Shark surfacing to launch an ALTIUS drone from a 12-tube launcher, the first public demonstration of this capability.
• The footage revealed two previously unseen deployable masts on the vehicle, likely used for communications and sensor support, despite Anduril’s previous emphasis on avoiding traditional mast designs.
• Australian officials confirmed the Ghost Shark can carry up to 24 ALTIUS drones, 12 sea mines, and seabed supply caches, expanding its role beyond surveillance to strike and logistics.
• The ALTIUS-600 drone family includes reconnaissance and strike variants, with the strike model carrying approximately 4 kilograms of explosives.
• These payloads are being tested during Exercise Maritime Big Play Pacific in the US, with AUKUS partners aiming to field common uncrewed submarine payloads by 2027.

Background

This development follows Australia’s October 2025 commitment of A$1.7 billion for a fleet of Ghost Shark vehicles, part of a broader A$5.8 billion investment in autonomous undersea warfare. The program is a key component of AUKUS Pillar II, which seeks to share advanced maritime technologies between Australia, the UK, and the US. Earlier coverage noted that the Ghost Shark is designed to complement crewed Collins-class submarines by conducting high-risk missions without endangering personnel.

How outlets are covering it

The War Zone emphasized the tactical implications of the new footage, highlighting how the 12-tube launcher allows for swarm deployments that can overwhelm enemy air defenses or probe adversary positions. The outlet also noted the significance of the newly revealed masts, which contradict Anduril’s earlier claims of avoiding protruding structures. Breaking Defense focused on the strategic integration of these payloads across multiple platforms, including the Speartooth UUV and BlueBottle USV, and highlighted the testing of these systems during the Maritime Big Play Pacific exercise. The SOFX Report provided specific technical details, such as the weight of the ALTIUS-600M strike payload and the range of the reconnaissance variant, while also noting the financial commitment and timeline for fleet deployment.

Why it matters

The demonstration of aerial drone launch capabilities marks a significant shift in undersea warfare, allowing uncrewed submarines to project power and conduct surveillance far from their home waters without risking crewed assets. This capability enhances Australia’s ability to protect critical undersea infrastructure and deny sea access to adversaries, while also contributing to the broader AUKUS goal of interoperable uncrewed systems. The integration of strike and reconnaissance drones with mine-laying and logistics capabilities creates a versatile platform that can adapt to various mission requirements, from covert surveillance to direct attack.

What to watch

Australia, the UK, and the US will continue testing these payloads during Exercise Maritime Big Play Pacific, with the goal of fielding common uncrewed submarine payloads across all three nations by 2027. The Royal Australian Navy plans to integrate the Ghost Shark into its fleet alongside the Speartooth UUV and BlueBottle USV, with the first production unit entering service in early 2026. Future developments may include the deployment of additional payload types and the refinement of autonomous drone control systems.