Bremen-based defense firm Euroatlas has introduced Greyshark, the world’s largest and longest endurance autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).
Designed to operate without a support ship for up to four months, Greyshark is engineered to protect subsea cables, energy pipelines, and critical maritime infrastructure in contested waters.
The vessel utilizes hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, allowing for 16 weeks of continuous underwater operation. This long-endurance capability significantly reduces the need for manned support vessels in high-risk environments.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Greyshark is equipped with 17 specialized sensors that utilize sensor fusion to gather environmental data. These sensors generate high-resolution seabed imagery at 1.6 inches per pixel, enabling the precise identification of underwater hazards.
Range and Speed Capabilities:
High-Speed Transit: 1,000 nm at 10 knots.
Endurance Transit: 10,700 nm at 4 knots.
The AUV can independently detect, report, and complete mine warfare operations, as well as identify “narco-submarines” used for illicit transport between continents.
ALSO READ:Volvo and DSV Launch Commercial Autonomous Freight Operations in Texas
Securing the Strait of Hormuz
A primary application for Greyshark is the Strait of Hormuz. Following the placement of naval mines in April 2026, the region remains a high-risk corridor for global energy trade. According to Verineia Codrean, Head of Strategy at Euroatlas, clearing these mines is traditionally dangerous because their exact locations are often unknown.
By deploying a swarm of just six Greyshark vehicles, a single operator could map the entire Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours. This autonomous approach identifies hidden mines faster than manned ships while eliminating the risk to human life.
The technology has already attracted significant interest from NATO nations looking to enhance underwater monitoring. Greyshark is scheduled for official trials in August 2026, where Euroatlas will validate its navigation systems, sensor accuracy, and full endurance capabilities in real-world conditions.