Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched its first DEEP underwater drone system during a demonstration mission at the Naval Support and Experimentation Center of La Spezia.
The DEEP system is an integrated platform developed for the protection, maintenance, and monitoring of underwater infrastructure and port areas. It also supports environmental observation and protection.
The system was designed for dual use, addressing both civil and defense applications, and can operate in a range of environments for infrastructure management and environmental monitoring.
The platform includes a network of underwater sensors forming an early warning system, a Command and Control Center for real-time operations, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) capable of carrying out missions with varying levels of autonomy and coordination. Data collected through the system is processed and analyzed using artificial intelligence tools.
The introduction of DEEP is part of Fincantieri’s activities in the underwater technology sector, managed through its Underwater Technology Hub.
The hub coordinates projects in the civil, military, and dual-use fields under a unified management framework to enhance operational efficiency and integration across programs.
The underwater domain plays an increasingly important role in security, energy, environmental monitoring, and communications. The global market is estimated at around €50 billion annually, with approximately €22 billion identified as within Fincantieri’s potential area of operation, the company highlighted.
Fincantieri recently teamed up with Indonesian company specializing in communications, surveillance and electronic systems integration PT PRIMA MAJU MAPAN (PMM) to work on the development of systems to protect critical underwater infrastructure (such as cables and pipelines), as well as strategic assets, including naval bases, ports, and offshore installations.