First-of-Its-Kind Copperhead System Transforms UUVs Into Stealth Attack Platforms
A new generation of high-speed, software-driven autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) designed to boost the effectiveness of uncrewed naval systems, Copperhead, has been introduced by the American defense contractor, Anduril.
The Copperhead family includes weaponised versions that give autonomous submarines affordable and reusable torpedo-like firepower.
The launch includes two main variants-Copperhead-100 and Copperhead-500 along with their “M” versions, which are built to function like torpedoes.
These systems are the first of their kind specifically designed to be carried and launched by autonomous underwater platforms rather than traditional crewed vessels like nuclear submarines or surface warships.
According to the company, Copperhead-M turns uncrewed underwater systems into offensive platforms capable of precision strikes.
These munition variants allow commanders to assign high-risk missions to autonomous vehicles, reducing danger to human personnel and valuable naval assets.
The Dive-XL, also known internally as Ghost Shark, can carry several Copperhead-100Ms or multiple Copperhead-500Ms at once, enabling large-scale autonomous control of the ocean.
Our munition variant, Copperhead-M, equips autonomous vehicles with torpedo-like capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
Critically, it’s mass producible.
The U.S. and its allies must be ready to defend against maritime threats at scale. To protect what matters most. pic.twitter.com/lbh5jGG63V
— Anduril Industries (@anduriltech) April 7, 2025
Copperhead vehicles are described as lighter, faster, and more cost-effective than traditional torpedoes like the US Navy’s Mk 48 and Mk 54, which are currently in use.
The Copperhead-500 offers capabilities similar to the Mk 48, while the 100 model is similar to the Mk 54 in performance.
Unlike traditional torpedoes, Copperheads are designed with rectangular bodies, not cylindrical to simplify production and reduce manufacturing costs.
Each vehicle can reach speeds over 30 knots and is modular, allowing it to be equipped with different payloads for various missions. For non-combat roles, Copperhead-100 and 500 can carry tools like sonar, sensors, magnetometers, and chemical detection devices.
This makes them useful for operations like search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and critical infrastructure inspection.
While the propulsion technology hasn’t been disclosed, both Copperhead models are confirmed to maintain high-speed capabilities. The Copperhead-100 is just under 9 feet long with a 12.75-inch diameter, while the Copperhead-500 is over 13.5 feet long and 21 inches wide.
Anduril says that modern maritime dominance will rely on large fleets of autonomous undersea, surface, and aerial systems.
The company believes legacy torpedoes are outdated, expensive, and slow to produce, making them unsuitable for the demands of modern warfare.
Copperhead and its munition versions are intended to solve this problem by being mass-productive, lower-cost, and easily deployable.
One of the most unique features is its recoverable and reusable design, which is not found in traditional torpedoes. If a Copperhead-M does not hit its target, it can be retrieved, refurbished, and used again, significantly reducing long-term costs.
This system is seen as a key piece of a larger autonomous strategy, with Ghost Shark (Dive XL) being one of the major platforms expected to carry these weapons.
Currently, the Royal Australian Navy is the only known customer for Ghost Shark.
This announcement follows the recent unveiling of Seabed Sentry, a submarine surveillance system that could also be configured to launch autonomous underwater vehicles.
Reference: Anduril
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Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
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