SHARE

An underwater drone which moves like a squid and can explode on command was one of the stranger weapons on display at a massive arms fair in London this week.

The device, named the Sea Hunting Autonomous Reconnaissance Drone (SHARD), is being marketed by the Australian arms manufacturer DefendTex.

It was one of many exhibits at the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) show, which is running this week in east London's Docklands.

One was on display bobbing up and down in a tank, moving with its tentacle-like legs. Here is a video:

https://twitter.com/billbostockUK/status/1171429081272815618

DefendTex staff told Business Insider that the drones are meant to float unassumingly in the sea, and are purposefully designed to look like squid as a type of camouflage.

The drones are meant to attach themselves to passing enemy vessels. They can then be detonated remotely by their operators. Each one can act by itself or as a swarm with others.

(Business Insider/Bill Bostock)

DefendTex said the drones swim using a motor, and can recharge by sinking to the ocean floor, attaching themselves to rocks, and allowing ocean currents to rotate and internal motor which charges the battery.

The drones are meant to be used in Anti-Submarine Warfare missions or Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, according to DefendTex.

The project is still in development, and is not yet on sale.

DSEI is the UK's largest arms fair, attracting representatives from the world's 50 largest militaries, who come to view the latest defense and intelligence technology.

Over 1,600 manufacturers attend the event, which in 2019 is at London's ExCel center.

Read more from Business Insider:

Drone Swarms
Munitions
Tactics
Weapons