Trio joins forces on hybrid and unmanned surface vehicles in Italy

Turkish HAVELSAN has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Piloda Defence and VN Maritime to collaborate on the development, integration and commercialization of unmanned and hybrid (manned–unmanned) maritime platforms tailored for the Italian market.

Within the scope of the agreement, Piloda Defence and VN Maritime Technologies have been authorized as HAVELSAN’s exclusive representatives and industrial partners in Italy for all unmanned surface vehicle (USV) projects.

This long-term partnership plans to deliver next-generation naval solutions aligned with the operational needs of the Mediterranean region.

HAVELSAN will provide the digital backbone for the unmanned and hybrid maritime platforms, delivering autonomous control systems, mission management software, AI-enabled perception capabilities, and secure communication architectures. These technologies will enable intelligent, reliable, and fully integrated operations across a variety of maritime environments.

On the other hand, VN Maritime Technologies will serve as the prime contractor for platform architecture, contributing high-performance maritime platform designs, hybrid operational concepts, and advanced system integration expertise.

Furthermore, Piloda Defence, through Piloda Shipyard, will oversee local industrial participation in Italy, providing shipyard infrastructure, production capabilities, testing and sea trials, acceptance procedures, and life-cycle support services. Under this integrated model, platform manufacturing, autonomous system integration, deployment, demonstrations, maintenance, and logistics support will all take place in Italy.

The partnership aims to deliver next-generation maritime platforms capable of operating in fully autonomous, remotely controlled, and manned–unmanned hybrid modes. These platforms are designed to support a wide range of missions, including maritime surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), counter-smuggling operations, port and critical infrastructure security, coastal security and border protection, and search and rescue (SAR) support.

The parties are working toward signing the first procurement contract in Italy during the first half of 2026. This initial acquisition is intended to lay the foundation for a broader unmanned maritime platform roadmap in Italy.

The MoU is expected to foster long-term defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Italy by positioning Türkiye’s autonomous maritime expertise within the European market.

Through this collaboration, HAVELSAN, VN Maritime Technologies, and Piloda Defence aim to create a high value-added industrial ecosystem that supports future naval innovation across the Mediterranean region, it was concluded.