Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has revealed a new underwater drone system designed to protect vital seabed infrastructure and secure ports and coastal areas.
Described by the company as its “first integrated underwater drone system,” DEEP is built to handle both civil and defense missions, from deep-water reconnaissance to environmental data collection.
It consists of an underwater early-warning network full of sensors, a command-and-control hub for real-time feedback relay, and a squad of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
These AUVs can operate at varying levels of autonomy and coordination, supported by an AI system that manages mission data.
“The launch of DEEP is tangible proof of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation ever deeper,” said Fincantieri Chief Executive Officer Pierroberto Folgiero.
“Today we have validated an integrated unmanned underwater drone system that represents an innovative and concrete solution to the challenge of protecting critical infrastructure by using the best technologies available.”
A Consolidated Approach
Fincantieri said DEEP is part of a broader effort to expand its footprint in the fast-growing underwater tech domain.
The company plans to leverage its national supply chain and in-house naval engineering ecosystem to deliver integrated underwater and maritime security solutions.
Its Underwater Technology Hub division is expected to lead DEEP-related initiatives, covering civilian, military, and dual-use applications that sit at the intersection of multiple sectors.
“This achievement is the result of the work of an outstanding industrial supply chain that enables us to anticipate market needs and position ourselves for the future,” Folgiero stated.
The DEEP system made its debut at the Naval Support and Experimentation Center in La Spezia, Italy.
