I think they have interesting products if you are after something in a fast moving space and want something to get some capability quickly. They probably do the move into new spaces, make something faster than the existing industrial complex. So Ghostshark fits into that space, but it isn't the only play we have in that space. Given our timeframe of 2028-29 to get ourselves in shape, we need real platforms now, not potentially much better platforms later.
If we can get 12-24 Ghostsharks operational by 2029 then that is good capability, fast. Not just for the capabilities of ghostshark, but also training our forces against such drones.
Mk48 is pretty big, too big, I think on the UUVs they had it externally mounted on some platforms, on smaller platforms its makes up considerable mass so firing it changes the entire buoyancy of the platform significantly. NSM be too large for this platform. The type of drones these are launching at 4kg warhead class. Which is still useful to take out a command post, sensor, munitions dump, powerlines/powerstation, fuel stores etc. Launching 24 of them hitting 24 individual targets with precision then disappearing is what this would be good for. Big heavy munitions are better deployed from larger platforms. NSM was going to have a regular sub launched variant. Large munitions delivered by long range platform (LRASM, Tomahawk etc) are going to do the heavy lifting, but this platform can then also provide precision small target capabilities.
Ghost Shark will deploy aerial drones, lay mines, and execute seabed resupply missions as part of Australia’s new undersea arsenal. Ghost Shark will deploy aerial drones, lay mines, and execute seabed resupply missions as part of Australia’s new undersea arsenal.
www.twz.com
As a sensor platform, with mine laying and drone launching capability that is ideal and would help existing subs focus on their missions.
