Gets topped up with fuel every few weeks I expect.

Won’t have to account for a crew, which limits even nuclear powered subs.

@@grahambuckerfield4640 ok sure a crew does limit nuclear powered subs. But I'd hazard a guess it can still be measured in months? These unmanned mini subs could be dropped off somewhere and stay roughly on-point with minimal use of fuel (I'm totally guessing but seems conceivable).

The capabilities of the Ghost Shark are military secrets, so we can only make assumptions based on what is known about other UAV's around the world. Most of them are very hush-hush, so not a lot is known. They are designed to be delivered to station where they can then rest on the sea floor, monitoring the enemy while using very little power. Endurance is classified, but I expect it to be very variable depending on mission type. The biggest limitation is communications with base. Usually this is achieved by surfacing, or by using a floating antenna bouy attached by wire to the craft that can be raised or lowered as required. It is not clear what method the ghost Shark uses, but I am guessing that the conning tower on the craft is probably associated with communications. The craft is large enough to have quite a lot of electric charge in batteries, and operating in low power mode may well have endurance measured in many days, or even weeks. The ADV Guidance was quietly acquired in April of 2023 (cost $110million,) and appears to be operating as a UAV "mother ship", so I expect that ship transports the Ghost Shark long distances, and is able to charge batteries etc during missions. While only revealed to the public in 2024, the Ghost Shark was built in 2022, so it probably has been doing its sea trials and the Guidance has been figuring out how to be most effective as a support vessel for the UAV for quite some time. I have see the Guidance at Fleet Base East. A very handsome but work-a-day ship with a large helipad above the bridge and ample space behind for working with several UAV's. Think of the limitations of full self driving in cars. Same applies to these craft and I expect they are less like a crewed submarine, which manoeuvres a lot, and travels long distances. This is likely more akin to an extended range but much slower torpedo that stops and hides as required and normally operates out of a mother ship. It also is able to save power by moving relatively slowly, but I expect that working from the Guidance, it probably can be at sea for months at a time.. Surveillance is usually their primary capability. Many of the designs from other countries include hitching a ride on a crewed submarine, or beneath a ship, and then being deployed at or near the mission location. I do not know if the Ghost Shark travels like that (beneath vessels), but it seems possible.

Haha love it. Maybe collab on payloads too.

Why do you say no weapons

RAN documented the development plan in the 2020 strategic white paper, ISR at first, weapons are expected from 2040. This was back when the plan was Arafura for deployment and recovery, supported by Hunter. As Arafura was cancelled and Hunter numbers are reduced the future is unknown.

Seems pointless without

Don't know about this Aussie AUV, but at least two of the XLUUV classes being designed in India right now are going to be equipped for:- ASW ASuW Mine warfare ISR With 10 tons of weapons carried (two heavyweight torpedoes or mines or AShM). All in a 300 ton package with at least 45 days of endurance. Basically, these AUVs are comparable to Iranian Ghadir class submarines or North Korean Yono class submarines. So I don't see why you think this Aussie boat is only for ISR.