The United States Navy finds itself confronted with significant challenges in both constructing and maintaining its extant fleet of manned submarines. Consequently, it has embarked upon an accelerated program to develop unmanned submarine technology. However, it appears that the Australian Navy may be poised to achieve significant progress in this domain with its own autonomous underwater vehicle, the Ghost Shark.
The Ghost Shark represents a tactical solution for the Royal Australian Navy as it endeavors to procure larger, manned submarines within the framework of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) undersea alliance. Notably, while the Ghost Shark boasts dimensions exceeding those of a typical urban transit bus, within the context of submarine operations, its size renders it relatively diminutive. This disparity suggests potential limitations in terms of endurance and armament compared to larger autonomous submarines under development by the United States.
Presently, the United States Navy relies predominantly on large, manned nuclear-powered submarines capable of transoceanic voyages and protracted deployments in hostile regions. However, the intricate nature of nuclear submarine technology translates to high costs and demanding maintenance requirements. Despite an operational demand for 66 nuclear attack submarines, the current fleet comprises approximately 50 vessels, with production challenges exacerbated by a pronounced shortage of skilled labor, resulting in delays in new vessel construction.
To address this shortfall, initiatives such as the development of the Orca by Boeing have been undertaken. This 85-foot non-nuclear submarine boasts autonomous navigation capabilities and a range of up to 6,500 miles. Equipped with sophisticated sensor arrays and armaments, the Orca represents a cost-effective solution for tasks including mine deployment, mine detection, and anti-submarine warfare, while eliminating risks to human crews. However, the Orca program has faced delays, with initial deployments occurring three years behind schedule, and full deployment anticipated to span several decades.
In contrast, the Australian defense ministry recently announced the successful delivery of the inaugural Ghost Shark unmanned undersea vehicle, just two years subsequent to the contract agreement. This expeditious timeline underscores the efficiency of the procurement process, as highlighted by Minister for Defense Industry Pat Conroy. While the Ghost Shark may not match the Orca in terms of size or capability, it offers a promising interim solution for the Royal Australian Navy as it transitions towards a future submarine fleet bolstered by AUKUS collaboration.
Despite its smaller stature, the Ghost Shark presents a viable option to enhance Australia’s maritime capabilities, particularly amidst ongoing efforts to replace aging Collins-class submarines with newer, more advanced vessels. While logistical challenges may arise, such as the integration of weaponry suited to its dimensions, the expedited development of the Ghost Shark heralds a significant advancement in autonomous submarine technology for Australia, potentially affording strategic advantages ahead of comparable initiatives elsewhere.