A trilateral industrial pact has been formalized to develop advanced unmanned and hybrid maritime solutions specifically for the Italian market. Turkish software giant HAVELSAN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italy’s VN Maritime Technologies and Piloda Defence, establishing a structured partnership to deliver next-generation naval capabilities tailored to the Mediterranean’s operational demands.
Under the terms of the agreement, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence will serve as HAVELSAN’s exclusive industrial representatives in Italy for all Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) initiatives. This unified framework ensures a coordinated approach when engaging with Italian defense authorities, coast guard units, and private stakeholders, creating a seamless channel for procurement and development.
The collaboration leverages complementary strengths from both nations. HAVELSAN will supply the technological core of the platforms, including autonomous control systems, artificial intelligence-driven perception tools, mission management software, and secure communication architectures. These components form the digital backbone enabling intelligent, unmanned operations.
On the Italian side, VN Maritime Technologies will act as the prime contractor for platform architecture, contributing high-performance vessel design and hybrid operational concepts. Meanwhile, Piloda Defence, through its shipyard infrastructure, will oversee local manufacturing, system integration, testing, sea trials, and long-term life-cycle support. This model ensures that production, deployment, and maintenance occur within Italy, fostering local industrial participation.
The platforms developed will be capable of operating in fully autonomous, remotely controlled, or manned-unmanned hybrid modes. Designed to withstand challenging Mediterranean conditions, they will support a wide range of missions including intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), coastal and port security, counter-smuggling operations, and search and rescue (SAR) efforts.
Both parties are targeting the first procurement contract in Italy during the first half of 2026. This initial acquisition is intended to serve as the foundation for a broader national roadmap, enabling progressive capability development and the scalable expansion of unmanned maritime assets.
Beyond the immediate project, the partnership carries strategic weight. It positions Turkish autonomous systems within the European market while embedding Italian industrial capabilities into the supply chain. By combining Turkiye’s software expertise with Italy’s shipbuilding heritage, the three companies aim to establish a sustainable industrial ecosystem that drives future naval innovation across the region.
