Italy has been making significant advancements in the field of underwater drone technology, as local companies have collaborated to respond to multiple Navy tenders aimed at enhancing sub-sea capabilities. Notably, firms such as Fincantieri, Leonardo, and Saipem have united to submit joint proposals for four Navy tenders, signifying a crucial moment in the country’s efforts to strengthen its undersea capabilities.
These tenders, which encompass propulsion, communications, launch and recovery systems for drones, and target location, mark a major stride for the newly established sub-sea center in La Spezia, Italy, where industry, the Italian navy, and academia have joined forces to drive progress in the sector.
With increasing interest in utilizing drones for safeguarding underwater internet cables and energy pipelines, notable developments in this area have been witnessed. Italian state shipyard Fincantieri and defence behemoth Leonardo have already forged a partnership focused on sub-sea technology, with the objective of meeting the escalating demand for undersea drones.
One of the tenders, valued at €3.4 million, concentrates on developing launch and recovery systems for drones, deployable from land, ships, and the sea bed. These systems are designed to accommodate drones up to six meters in length and weighing up to 1,000kg, while also facilitating the transmission of data collected by the drones.
Another tender, worth €2.9 million, is dedicated to developing algorithms crucial for target acquisition and data fusion by the drones, while a third tender, valued at €3.4 million, focuses on enhancing communications capabilities among swarms of drones. A fourth tender, with a value of €2.65 million, is aimed at exploring energy sources for drones, including the potential for harnessing energy from sea currents.
In line with these advancements, Fincantieri has actively augmented its under-sea capabilities through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. The company recently formalized a memorandum of understanding with Saipem, a civil energy company offering a drone capable of prolonged underwater operations, laying the groundwork for further progress in sub-sea technology.
Despite the progress, Carlo Festucci, the general secretary of Italian defense industry association AIAD, has underscored the need for substantial investment to fully realize the potential of the La Spezia research center. Festucci has stressed the significance of securing €50 million annually to sustain the center and urged other Italian ministries to contribute to these efforts, highlighting the importance of undersea technology in extracting rare earths and protecting critical infrastructure.
The strides in Italy’s underwater drone technology represent a significant leap forward for the country’s naval capabilities, with the potential to exert a substantial impact on sub-sea operations. As the industry continues to evolve, these advancements are positioned to shape the future of undersea technology and fortify Italy’s position as a leading player in this domain.
Tom Kington serves as the Italy correspondent for Defense News.