Australia to deploy a fleet of underwater drones called “sharks”

Defense Secretary Richard Marles said on Wednesday that Australia will spend $ 1.1 billion to build dozens of drones from underwater attack.

Marles said that the first hidden “ghost shark” will be handed over to the Australian Navy in January next year, according to a five -year contract with Australia, based in Sydney.

“Australia is leading the world in terms of independent underwater military capabilities,” Marles told reporters in Sydney.

Large underwater autonomous vehicles will increase war capabilities in Australia, which complements a fleet of submarines Supported by American nuclear technologyMarles said.

The first of these submarines presented under AUKUS Partnership With the United States and Britain it will not be delivered to Australia until 2032.

Marles specifically did not say the number of ghost sharks to be built. But he said that the Australian Navy will be provided with “dozens” over the next five years.

It will also be attached to the scale of the shark ghosts, unlike describing it as “long -term”.

As an island and a commercial nation, Australia sees the possibility of prohibiting its marine roads by the enemy as a major strategic threat.

The Chinese navy fleet held a direct exercise at sea between Australia and New Zealand in February, while it was widely considered a demonstration for the growing military arrival in China.

The fleet is almost around Australia. The Chinese navy rarely travel to the south.

California -based Anduril Industries was contracted in 2022 to produce three models of the Australian navy shark.

A government statement said that if a designer participated in the performance of intelligence, monitoring and reconnaissance roles, as well as strikes.

The head of the Admiral Marine, Marc Hammond, said that drones can be fired from the beach and from the surface ships.

Hammond said he expected to become an increasingly crowded “beef yard”.

Hammond said: “I think our allies and partners will continue to enjoy the ability of the ability in that space, provided that we invest in capabilities such as Ghost Shark and others as well as our crew systems for years to come,” Hammond said.

Last year, the partnership announced this Japan will work with Aukus On maritime autonomy, according to the official, there are also talks with Canada, South Korea and New Zealand on possible projects on emerging capabilities.

Last month, Australia said it will also upgrade the navy with 11 Mogami frigates built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and the first time entering the service by 2030.

Australia has described it as one of the largest export deals in Japan since World War II, which has agreed to pay $ 6 billion over the next ten years to obtain the fleet of ghost frigates.

Magami-Steal-Stepts-Singering Sergeant Disadvantages with a strong set of weapons-replacing the Australia fleet of elderly from the Anzac category.

China He has Oakos accused of provocation Nuclear weapons race and disruption of peace and security in the Indian Pacific region.

Agence France-Press contributed to this report.