Fincantieri has launched its first integrated underwater drone system “DEEP”, during a demonstration held at the Naval Support and Experimentation Center in La Spezia on October 23. The event marks a significant step in the company’s expansion into underwater technologies.
The launch was attended by Undersecretary of State for Defense Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, and senior representatives from the Italian Navy and local authorities, including Admiral Enrico Credendino and La Spezia Mayor Pierluigi Peracchini.
DEEP is designed as a modular, dual-use platform capable of addressing both civilian and defense requirements. It supports operations related to the protection and maintenance of underwater infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and port security.
The system integrates several components: an early warning network of underwater sensors, a command and control center for real-time management, a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) with varying degrees of autonomy, and an artificial intelligence engine for data processing and analysis.
The DEEP system is part of Fincantieri’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the underwater domain, an area increasingly critical for security, energy, and communications. The company coordinates its related activities through its Underwater Technology Hub, which manages civil, military, and dual-use projects under a unified structure.
Globally, the underwater market is estimated at about €50 billion annually, with Fincantieri identifying an addressable segment of around €22 billion. The company aims to play a central role in the development of this strategic field by leveraging its industrial capabilities and experience in systems integration.
Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero said:
“The launch of DEEP is tangible proof of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation ever deeper. 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. 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. We are proud to lead this transformation, which makes a real contribution to the security, growth, competitiveness and technological autonomy of our national system, while also projecting us toward global leadership in the underwater economy.”