All articles tagged with #undersea warfare
The Royal Australian Navy rapidly developed and deployed the Ghost Shark autonomous submarine, moving from prototype to fleet in less than three years through a collaborative, risk-taking approach with Anduril Australia, marking a significant advancement in autonomous undersea warfare and setting a potential model for other nations.
Suspected Houthi attacks on undersea cables in the Red Sea highlight the emerging threat of undersea warfare, where undersea infrastructure is increasingly targeted. With the world's reliance on undersea infrastructure for power, natural gas, oil, and internet connectivity, attacks on these vital systems are expected to become more common. The ambiguity and indirect nature of undersea attacks make them tempting targets for hybrid warfare, with the potential for small countries and non-state actors to leverage this threat. As technology advances, the potential for attacks on seabed infrastructure in future hot wars is becoming increasingly realistic, requiring high-quality intelligence and careful planning.
The U.S. Navy has introduced its new Dry Combat Submersible (DCS), a special operations mini-submarine that allows occupants to travel submerged without being immersed in water. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the DCS has a 30-ton displacement and a range of 66 nautical miles. Unlike previous SEAL Delivery Vehicles, the DCS features a self-contained lock-in/lock-out chamber, providing a dry environment for operators. The Navy plans to deploy the DCS via a mothership on the surface and is already working on an improved design that can be launched from a Virginia class attack submarine.
French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a $438 billion military budget plan to the country's parliament, which will support new capability efforts and ongoing programs through the end of the decade. The investments are intended to target several areas of focus, including a need for additional munitions and weaponry in the wake of Russia's attack on Ukraine and a return to high-intensity conflict on the European continent. The plan includes the development of the nation's next-generation aircraft carrier, new frigates, and fighter jets, as well as modernizing its land forces and investing in space surveillance and undersea warfare.