Ghost Sharks to be armed with aerial drones and advanced sea mines

Key points

• Defence has revealed that Australia's Ghost Shark underwater drones can launch swarms of aerial drones carrying explosives and carry up to 12 sea mines. The navy is receiving dozens of the vehicles under a $1.7 billion contract signed last year.
• Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the drones now have the ability to deny areas through mining and to strike targets far from Australia.
• The capabilities are being offered to the United States and United Kingdom under AUKUS technology sharing arrangements.