For decades, the military has used animals in a variety of ways, from Hannibal’s elephants to bat bombs. Horses are an excellent example of an animal that was domesticated and suited for warfare. Other times, even if the idea seems good on paper, it doesn’t always go as planned. For example, when the military wanted to use sharks as weapons.
The military supported a system to implant sharks with technology that would allow them to be controlled and deployed as water spies. The goal was that a shark’s innate ability to detect electrical impulses would enable it to track enemy ships. That tale is from 2006, and as you may know, there are no known shark spies in the world right now, so the plan didn’t quite go through.
The military also worked on a much more dramatic strategy between 1958 and 1971. They intended to equip sharks with explosives attached to their heads and using them as living torpedoes. The bomb would be equipped with a compass and a pre-programmed route. If shark deviated, they would be shocked on one side of the head or the other to keep it on track. No mind control required; only painful sensations are required.
Why sharks rather than dolphins? Because dolphins make too much noise. Sharks are incredibly secretive, that’s why they were chosen. Except that sharks don’t respond well to negative stimuli and will often fight back rather than submit. They were also inept at lifting heavy objects. As a result, the initiative was scrapped.
Experiment years: between 1958 and 1971
