At the Naval Support and Experimentation Center of La Spezia, Italy, Fincantieri launched its first “DEEP” underwater drone system during a demonstration mission. The event marks a fundamental milestone for Fincantieri in the field of underwater technology, confirming the Group’s leadership in the underwater sector and consolidating a clear and advanced path of industrial growth.
The event took place on 23 October 2025 and was attended by the Undersecretary of State at the Italian Ministry of Defense, Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago and Fincantieri’s CEO and Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero.
Also present were the Mayor of La Spezia, Pierluigi Peracchini; representing the Liguria Region, the Chief of Staff, Massimiliano Nannini; the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino; the President of the National Foundation for the Underwater Dimension, Senator Roberta Pinotti; and, for Fincantieri, the Chairman, Biagio Mazzotta, and the Director of Naval Vessels Division, Eugenio Santagata, and Executive Vice President Underwater, Gabriele Maria Cafaro.
The DEEP system is a cutting-edge integrated solution for the protection, development, and maintenance of critical underwater infrastructure and port areas, also performing monitoring and environmental protection activities. The system was designed from the outset with a dual purpose, capable of responding to both civil needs and defense and security applications. This versatility allows DEEP to operate in diverse contexts, offering high value-added solutions for environmental and infrastructure protection, as well as operational support.
The platform consists of a network of underwater sensors for early warning (Early Warning System), a Command and Control Center for real-time operational management, a team of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) capable of conducting missions at different levels of autonomy, cooperation, and coordination, and an AI-based system dedicated to data analysis and processing.
The launch of DEEP is part of Fincantieri’s strategy to consolidate its underwater sector, where the Group stands out for its ability to offer integrated, high value-added solutions, thanks to a unique industrial supply chain and cross-functional expertise brought together within the Underwater Technology Hub, which coordinates all activities related to civil, military, and dual-use systems through a unified management approach. Thanks to this integrated approach, Fincantieri is able to oversee markets and respond to the most complex needs of private and institutional clients, consolidating its pioneering and reference role in technology and industry in the international underwater landscape.
Today, the underwater domain is a key area for security, energy, environmental monitoring, and underwater communications, with a global reference market estimated at around 50 billion euros per year and an accessible component for Fincantieri of about 22 billion euros annually. Fincantieri aims to be a leading player in the development of this new strategic infrastructure, leveraging its ability to integrate complex expertise and high-tech industrial assets.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated: “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,” he added.
Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only player active in all high complexity marine industry sectors. The Group is a leader in the construction of cruise ships, naval and offshore vessels, and stands out for its extensive experience in the development of underwater solutions, thanks to its integrated industrial structure capable of managing and coordinating all activities related to the commercial, defense, and dual-use sectors. It holds a strong presence in key markets also thanks to the internalization of high valueadded, distinctive technologies; it is also a leader in sustainable innovation and in the digital transformation of the shipbuilding sector.
The company is active in the field of mechatronics, electronics, and digital naval systems, as well as in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and marine interiors solutions. It also offers a wide range of after-sales services, including logistic support and fleet assistance.
With over 230 years of history and more than 7, 000 ships built, Fincantieri is a global player with a production network of 18 shipyards worldwide and over 23,000 employees. It maintains its know-how, expertise and management centres in Italy, where it directly employs over 12,000 workers and creates around 90,000 indirect jobs.
