A Greyshark Foxtrot heavy-lift UUV dives under minefields in the Strait of Hormuz.
First display of the Greyshark Series 2 UAV in 2025
Previously, the German company Euroatlas GmbH presented two of its own autonomous unmanned vehicle designs, collectively known as Greyshark. Both projects are currently under development, undergoing the necessary testing and other activities. Both projects are now quite advanced, and the developer is currently considering real-world scenarios for their use in various situations.
Two projects
Previously, Euroatlas (Bremen) developed various electronics for military and civilian applications. In the early 1920s, it expanded its scope of work. Development began on a promising heavy-duty UAV, which would be equipped with its own electronics.
The first results of this work were presented in November 2024 at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris. A full-scale model of the UAV, dubbed Greyshark, and various promotional materials were displayed at the stand. It was stated that the project has great potential for development, and these processes are already underway.
In March of the following year, at the UDT 2025 exhibition in Norway, the upgraded Greyshark Series 2 UUV, also named Foxtrot, was unveiled for the first time. At that time, the project was still in the development stage of individual components. Full-scale testing of the prototype was promised to begin within the following months.
In September, the Greyshark Foxtrot took part in NATO's REPMUS 2025 experimental maneuvers in Portugal. The vehicle demonstrated its key performance capabilities and characteristics.
Greyshark Foxtrot on REPMUS 2025 maneuvers
In mid-April 2026, the next UDT exhibition dedicated to the development of underwater fleets, took place in London. Euroatlas once again showcased its UAVs and boasted of its successes. For example, at the beginning of the month, the Greyshark Foxtrot unit began full-scale testing. All systems are being tested and key performance characteristics are being established. Work on payload integration will begin next.
Goals and objectives
Apparently, the Greyshark projects are far from complete. The launch of serial production, customer deliveries, and initial operational use remain uncertain. However, the developer is already making plans. At recent exhibitions, its representatives have repeatedly outlined the range of tasks they are solving.
The new series of UAVs will carry hydroacoustic and other equipment for surveying the water column and seabed. This equipment will enable the vehicles to create detailed maps of water areas. They will also be able to search for small objects, such as naval mines. Greyshark may also be equipped with mine-clearing equipment in the future.
In its advertising, Euroatlas takes recent events and current trends into account. For example, its representatives recently highlighted the fundamental possibility of using UAVs in the waters of the Middle East.
It's worth noting that during the current conflict, Iran laid a number of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This move threatens shipping in the region and harms the economies of several countries. Therefore, mine-detection and clearance capabilities are needed to ensure safe shipping routes.
AUV near the surface
Euroatlas explicitly mentions the possibility of using the Grayshark UAV to search for Iranian mines. However, at the current stage of the project's development, actual deployment of the equipment is impossible.
UAVs equipped with search equipment could also find use on the other side of the world, off the coast of the Americas. In this case, they would be used to search for submarines or semi-submersible boats used by smugglers.
Regardless of their specific objectives, Greyshark drones are proposed to be used in groups. They are expected to operate under operator control, autonomously, or as part of a self-guided "swarm." The specifics of such operations will depend on the type of payload and target equipment. For now, the focus is primarily on search and rescue. Weapons deployment is not ruled out, but is not a priority.
Technical features
Euroaltas plans to launch two versions of its heavy-duty AUV. They share a similar design and are built using common technologies. However, significant differences in size and displacement are anticipated, which will impact a number of other parameters.
Both UAVs have an ellipsoidal body with a set of external components, such as fairings, rudders, etc. Plastics or composites will be used extensively in the body's construction. Externally, the two vehicles will be virtually indistinguishable.
The basic Greyshark has an overall length of 6,5 m and a hull width of up to 1,5 m. It weighs 3 t. The Greyshark 2 is 1,5 m longer and 300 mm wider, as well as 1,5 t heavier.
Both AUVs are powered by an electric propulsion system based on hydrogen fuel cells. An electric motor with a propeller in an annular channel is housed in the stern of the hull. These systems are expected to deliver superior performance. The Foxtrot design boasts the following:
- maximum speed - 10 knots;
- economic speed - 4 knots;
- cruising range at maximum speed - 1100 nautical miles;
- maximum range - 10700 nautical miles;
- Patrol duration at maximum speed is 5 days;
- The patrol duration at economic speed is 16 days.
The Grayshark's basic configuration includes an autopilot with a navigation system, a bow-mounted sonar system, and remote controls. Its primary operating mode is autonomous navigation using instruments, as programmed. If necessary, the AUV can be controlled directly by an operator.
The bottom and sides of the hull are designed with large payload compartments. These are planned to accommodate various sonar models, lidars, optronic stations, and other equipment. The customer will determine the equipment composition. Instruments can also be quickly swapped out to suit a different mission.
The new AUV is the basis of a fully-fledged unmanned underwater system. It comprises several vehicles, an operator station, a set of auxiliary devices, and more. All of these are housed in a 40-foot container, simplifying transportation and deployment.
A high degree of automation should simplify patrol preparation and execution. For example, it is reported that a single operator will be able to control six submersibles simultaneously. Further development of control systems, further reducing human workload, is not ruled out.
Objective difficulties
Euroatlas GmbH is currently conducting sea trials and other testing of the second version of its Greyshark AUV. These are scheduled to be completed by the end of summer. Further testing will then begin, establishing the vehicle's operational capabilities with various devices and instruments on board.
The new UAVs are planned to be submitted to competitions held by military departments across various countries. The developer is particularly interested in similar Pentagon programs. The possibility of participating in European tenders is also not ruled out.
Despite all this, Euroatlas is already effectively running a promotional campaign. It displays its UAVs at key industry exhibitions and strives to gain press coverage. Specifically, this involves reviewing and evaluating promising vehicles in the context of current events.
Perhaps the recent announcements and exhibition materials will indeed attract the attention of potential customers and help promote the two devices. However, to secure the desired contracts, a finished product must be presented to customers. The Greyshark project, despite all its successes, is still far from that—although the progress of recent years gives its developers reason for optimism.
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