Greyshark Series 2 FoxtrotUnveiled at Euronaval 2024, Autonomous Underwater Security

Unveiled at Euronaval 2024 in Paris and later showcased at the UDT 2025 conference in Oslo, the Greyshark Series 2 Foxtrot by Euroatlas (Germany) is set to redefine the landscape of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and infrastructure protection, this cutting-edge AUV boasts extended endurance, advanced AI-driven autonomy, and swarm operation capabilities.

Next-Gen Design and Specifications

The Greyshark Series 2 Foxtrot features a 7.99-metre-long hydrodynamic body with a 1.8-metre maximum diameter and a 4.5-tonne mass. Constructed with composite materials, it maintains a low electromagnetic signature and ensures minimal water disturbance, making it extremely difficult to detect.

At its core, the AUV is powered by a non-permanent magnetic electric ring motor, which drives a segmented ring rotor propeller. A cruciform rudder assembly at the rear enhances maneuverability, allowing extreme dive angles and tight turns. This unique propulsion system ensures:

• Operational speed: 10 knots

• Maximum speed: Classified, but "over 10 knots"

• Endurance:

  • 1,100 nautical miles (NM) or 5 days at 10 knots
  • 2,180 NM or 1.5 weeks at 8 knots
  • 5,350 NM or 5 weeks at 6 knots
  • 10,700 NM or 16 weeks at 4 knots (low-speed creeping mode)

The fuel-cell-powered electric motor significantly extends operational time, making Greyshark ideal for long-range autonomous missions.

Advanced Sensor Suite and Communication Systems

Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, the Greyshark Series 2 Foxtrot delivers high-precision underwater intelligence.

Key onboard systems include:

• USBL acoustic antennas (front) for encrypted swarm communications
• Telescopic antenna system (rear) for LTE and L-band communications
• GNSS receiving antenna for positioning
• Side-scan Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) for ultra-high-resolution imaging
• Dual-element multibeam sonar (bow and hull) for obstacle detection
• Wideband multibeam sonar for sea-bottom mapping
• Doppler velocity sensor with Exail's Phins Subsea navigation system
• LIDAR and imaging cameras for 3D mapping
• Electromagnetic field detectors for anomaly detection

The fusion of these sensors enables the Greyshark to operate autonomously for weeks without human intervention. It only communicates with the base when a critical event is detected, such as an intrusion or sabotage attempt on underwater infrastructure.

AI-Driven Autonomy and Swarm Operations

The Greyshark Series 2 Foxtrot is engineered for highly autonomous missions, thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based decision-making. Its capabilities include:

• Automatic target recognition (ATR)

• Dynamic mission adaptation in case of system failure or unexpected events

• Swarm operations with up to six AUVs, enabling:

  • Area surveillance with multiple units covering large zones
  • Coordinated search and mapping
  • Mission reconfiguration based on real-time threats

Each Greyshark unit can assume leadership within the swarm, ensuring mission success even if one AUV is compromised.

Mission Capabilities and Deployment

Designed for stealth and endurance, the Greyshark Series 2 Foxtrot supports various naval and security operations, including:

• Seabed surveillance and covert reconnaissance
• Underwater infrastructure protection (monitoring data cables, pipelines, and energy platforms)
• Mine warfare (autonomous detection and neutralization of sea mines)
• Anti-submarine operations, using active sonar decoys to deceive enemy submarines
• Persistent intelligence gathering in high-risk maritime zones

The AUV’s logistical flexibility allows for rapid global deployment. It fits into a standard 40-foot container, transportable by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. A second container houses a charging and refueling system, ensuring quick redeployment with minimal infrastructure.

Future Developments and Strategic Importance

Currently undergoing testing and optimization, the Greyshark Series 2 Foxtrot is expected to expand its capabilities by 2026, focusing on:

• Enhanced AI for greater autonomy
• Longer dive durations
• Standardized communication protocols under European initiatives like SWARMS (Smart Underwater Robotics) and SALSA (Acoustic Network for Subsea Operations)

With its stealth, autonomy, and advanced AI, the Greyshark Series 2 Foxtrot is poised to become a game-changing asset for modern navies, reinforcing maritime security in an era of rising underwater threats.