Australia's Ghost Shark Drone Reveals Kinetic Payloads

Today’s defense brief covers new military tech, strategic developments, and diplomatic offers shaping global security.

Australia’s Ghost Shark Drone Reveals Kinetic Payloads

Australia has revealed kinetic payloads for its Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles (XLAUVs), including sea mines and loitering munitions, Defense News reports. The Royal Australian Navy showcased three payloads for the Anduril-developed Ghost Shark: the ability to deploy a dozen sea mines, a swarm of Altius-600 loitering munitions for surveillance and strike, and logistics supply caches. Canberra is investing 1.7 billion Australian dollars (1.2 billion US dollars) into a fleet of “dozens and dozens” of these XLAUVs to enhance undersea warfare and sea denial capabilities while awaiting nuclear-powered submarines. The modular design also suggests that lightweight and heavyweight torpedoes, as well as electronic warfare capabilities, are likely in development.

Russia’s Gerbera-2 Drone Threatens Beyond Ukraine

Russia has begun deploying an enlarged Gerbera-2 drone with a range of up to 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), posing a threat beyond Ukraine, Kyiv Post Defense reports. Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) published findings after examining a Gerbera-2, which can carry a warhead weighing up to 25 kilograms, though the inspected example carried a 10-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation and incendiary warhead. An armed Gerbera-2 was found on Poland’s Baltic coast in mid-September, highlighting its extended reach. The drone has a wingspan of 3 meters, a fuselage measuring 2.6 meters, a flight endurance of 10 hours, and a maximum speed of 200 kilometers per hour, signaling Russia’s adaptation of its long-range drone fleet for broader regional threats.

North Defence Prepares New UGV for NATO Trials

North Defence Group is preparing its new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for NATO trials in Switzerland, showcasing a compact robot designed for frontline logistics and counter-drone operations, Defence Blog reports. The British-Luxembourg company’s UGV is built to haul over 1,000 kilograms of gear, follow soldiers autonomously, and carry counter-drone weapons. The vehicle is under 3 meters long and 1.6 meters wide, allowing two to fit in a standard shipping container, and offers fully electric, diesel, or hybrid drive options with four-wheel steering and a “follow me” mode. Its flatbed can accommodate a remote weapon station, a Slinger counter-drone system, or a telescopic surveillance mast, reflecting a growing trend in military robotics to enhance logistical support and force protection for ground troops.

Russia Halts Chemical Exports After Ukrainian Strikes

Russia has banned exports of several industrial chemicals for three months, including benzene, toluene, xylenes, and phenol, citing the need to supply its own factories, Defence Blog reports. The ban, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, covers shipments outside the Eurasian Economic Union and follows months of Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russian chemical, refining, and propellant plants. Recent targets include synthetic rubber plants in Samara and Voronezh regions, and the Kamensky Combine in Rostov region, which makes solid propellant for rocket launchers. While the Russian government has not explicitly linked the ban to the war, these chemicals are crucial feedstocks for both civilian industries and military explosives, suggesting a direct impact from Ukrainian targeting of military-industrial infrastructure.

Zelensky Offers Deal to Halt Refinery Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries if Moscow stops attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, or if the US supplies Patriot missiles for one month, Kyiv Post Defense reports. Zelensky discussed attacks on refineries with former US President Donald Trump and his team, emphasizing Ukraine’s need to respond to ongoing Russian attacks on its energy grid and civilians. Zelensky clarified that if the US wants Ukraine to cease refinery attacks, Russia must first stop targeting Ukraine’s energy system. As an alternative, Zelensky proposed that Washington provide a package of Patriot missiles for one month, with Ukraine willing to pay for the weapons rather than receiving them as military aid, underscoring Ukraine’s critical need for advanced air defense systems.

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