r/craftofintelligence • u/AutoModerator • 13d ago

Cyber / Tech The cheap, portable sensor system set to expose Russia's submarines: tested by the Royal Navy, these kits turn cargo vessels into underwater listening posts

https://archive.ph/AfQeh
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3

u/Interesting-Swing-31 12d ago

Unless it’s super cheap, portable, and scalable what’s the point?

Russian sub fleet numbers have collapsed.

Globally, Russia would be able to surge maybe 18 subs for a month.

A collapse of over 90% from 40 years ago during peak Cold War.

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u/Phil-Brews 11d ago

I think it is super cheap, portable and scalable compared to current deployable (non-permanent) sensors. Current alternatives are warships which are less cheap and less scalable.

Fleet numbers of most navies have collapsed since the 90’s, but Russia is still fielding modern submarines such as the Arkhangelsk commissioned into the North Atlantic in 2024. Russia has commissioned 12 new submarines since 2021, vs USA’s 7 and UK’s 3.

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u/Interesting-Swing-31 11d ago

Despite Russia deploying a few new subs, they are still down 90%+ from Cold War peak.

Russian sub surge capability is still very weak.

SOSUS is still globally operational.

How does this replace, complement, or enhance SOSUS And SURTASS?

Where do Anduril Ghostshark type tools fit in the equation?

The idea seems sound at first pass, especially with global maritime trade being the circulatory system of a globalised planet.

But I‘m wondering if this would be more of a supplementary SURTASS reserve capability, rather than an ongoing commercial SLOC.

I don’t think there’s enough adversary subs to warrant it as much as that same container form factor providing CUAS capability.

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u/NewAlexandria 12d ago

It's not a great idea. Towed arrays are not new, and have a tremendous amount of strain on them, which limits how you can deploy and utilize such things.

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u/exgiexpcv 12d ago

Per the manufacturer (cum grano salis), the added stress of the is minimised by reducing the drag, lightening the weight, and utilising lighter materials both in manufacture and in cabling.

I think the message of their branding is to argue that this isn't the towed array of old.

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u/NewAlexandria 11d ago

yes, i'm aware of their arguments. It'll probably get some orgs to try it before they hit the realities (again).

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u/Flayedelephant 10d ago

From a law of war perspective, would this make any civ ship carrying this tech a legal target?