Shipbuilding group Fincantieri has reached an agreement to support the development of autonomous surface vehicles designed by Italian maritime technology startup Defcomm.
The agreement establishes a joint investment collaboration that aims to speed up the development and commercial production of Defcomm’s surface drones, which have completed endurance trials.
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The strategic partnership will also allow Fincantieri to enhance the integration and deployment of autonomous surface vehicles on its naval platforms for both domestic and international clients.
Fincantieri CEO and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero said: “This partnership confirms Fincantieri’s role as a leader in innovation and a growth engine for the entire national naval industrial ecosystem, able to catalyse the development of new technologies and anticipate the needs of a competitive and rapidly evolving global market such as that of surface drones.”
According to Fincantieri, the drones are primarily designed for maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, and patrol tasks.
Designed to reach high speeds, Defcomm’s surface units are capable of operating autonomously, or by remote or manual control.
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By GlobalDataIn addition, the alliance will focus on supporting training initiatives. The capabilities of these platforms and their compatibility in complex scenarios will be demonstrated during these training activities, stated Fincantieri.
Folgiero added: “Collaborations with highly innovative and high-potential entities like Defcomm also demonstrate the group’s commitment to promoting, through talent and collaboration with startups and SMEs, cutting-edge solutions for the technological transformation of the naval sector and for the rapid evolution of the Italian industrial base, strengthening its strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty by enhancing the best our country has to offer.”
In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, Fincantieri registered a significant rise in profitability, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) climbing 54% to €154m ($171.54m) from the same period in 2024.
Earlier in 2025, Fincantieri disclosed the completion of Leonardo’s Underwater Armaments & Systems (UAS) business line acquisition.
Through this acquisition, Fincantieri adds specialised knowledge in underwater acoustic technology and advanced weapons systems. This step increases the company’s capabilities in underwater operations, stated the company.
