Intermarine starts development of Italian Navy’s USV

February 12, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Intermarine (IMMSI industrial group) has begun development of an innovative unmanned surface vehicle (USV) with modular capabilities that will allow the integration of multiple and different types of systems and sensors for the Italian Navy.

The new drone is part of a broad program to modernize mine countermeasures capabilities and control and protection of critical underwater infrastructure that the Italian Navy launched last year. The program has led to the construction of the new generation minehunters, which will replace the units currently in service.

Leonardo and Intermarine to provide five next-gen minehunters for Italian Navy

Vessels

According to Intermarine, the USV will be able to operate completely autonomously or be remotely controlled, expanding the operational capabilities of minehunters and contributing to the protection of larger units. This is achieved by seeking the best balance of weight and size, allowing it to be transported by the largest possible number of ships, taking advantage of the spaces and facilities dedicated to manned RHIBs.

“With the development of these innovative unmanned surface vehicles, we are investing in a sector of absolute strategic importance, combining our experience in the Underwater sector with the most advanced autonomous driving and artificial intelligence technologies, with the constant goal of ensuring maximum safety, operational effectiveness, and the best results,” commented Livio Corghi, CEO of Intermarine.

“These vehicles are destined to play a strategic role in mine clearance operations, seabed surveillance operations, the monitoring and protection of critical underwater infrastructure (e.g., oil and gas pipelines and maritime data networks), and the protection of cultural heritage and the marine environment.”

The study of the new USV leverages the experience gained in designing minehunters by adopting the construction techniques to an innovative drone, specifically for countering naval mines, with a focus on the highest levels of autonomy, resilience, and effectiveness.