5 months ago
21
NEW DELHI: The future of
naval defenses
in the Pacific could soon mirror a high-stakes tech thriller, with protagonists named
Ghost Shark
and
Manta Ray
. These aren’t characters from an upcoming blockbuster but rather the monikers of the latest uncrewed underwater vehicles (
UUVs
) or drones, unveiled by
Australia
and the United States.
As per a CNN report, Ghost Shark and Manta Ray are prototypes designed to redefine undersea warfare by enhancing power projection capabilities while reducing human risk.
The integration of UUVs into
military strategy
reflects a broader shift, paralleling the extensive use of aerial drones in conflicts from the 1990s in regions such as Iraq and Afghanistan to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The challenges of underwater communication are significant, with obstacles such as water temperature, salinity, and depth affecting signal integrity. Despite these hurdles, the Australian Defense Ministry touted Ghost Shark as "the most advanced undersea autonomous vehicles in the world." According to a recent statement, these vehicles aim to provide the navy with stealthy, long-range capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike missions.
Australia's rapid development pace is notable. The Ghost Shark project shifted from conception to prototype testing in just two years. "Delivering the first Ghost Shark prototype ahead of schedule sets a new standard for capability development at the speed of need," said Australia’s chief defense scientist, Tanya Monro.
On the other side of the Pacific, the US Navy introduced the Boeing-built Orca UUV as an autonomous, unmanned diesel-electric submarine with modular capabilities to support a variety of missions. The Orca, like the Manta Ray, emphasizes flexibility with its ability to adapt its payload based on the mission's needs.
While the Orca has been in development for over a decade, the US Department of Defense plans to acquire additional units without specifying a timeline. Meanwhile,
Northrop Grumman
's Manta Ray was tested off Southern California, showcasing its modularity and ease of deployment, which could revolutionize UUV operations, the CNN report said.
As the US and Australia advance their UUV technologies, China is also making significant strides in the field. According to Emma Salisbury, a fellow at the British think tank Council on Geostrategy, China has been developing similar technologies for at least 15 years and may have operational models comparable to the Orca.
