Drone technology is very effective in Ukraine and has led to a paradigm shift in defense systems used by conventional armies. Cheaper drones can produce high damage if used in large swarms. The next frontier in the drone arena is its use under the sea.
Australia last week announced they had developed the Ghost Shark underwater drone with self-driving capabilities. The first Ghost Shark Extra-Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (XL-AUV) prototype drone has been completed with three more to be produced next year. Under the XL-AUV program, Australia wants to have the ability to monitor the underwater area more comprehensively.
Australia is the USA and UK's closest ally in the Asia Pacific region. Therefore their ability to monitor Chinese naval activities is important. What are the specifications and how long the "Ghost Shark" can operate without human intervention is an Australian secret. Eight years ago Boeing's Echo Voyager was announced and it could operate for months without human assistance.
