Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has unveiled DEEP, an innovative integrated underwater drone system aimed at enhancing maritime security and seabed protection. The system is designed to safeguard critical underwater infrastructure, including pipelines, communication cables, and energy assets, while also supporting port and coastal defense operations.
Described as Fincantieri’s “first integrated underwater drone system,” DEEP combines civilian and defense capabilities, offering a versatile solution for missions ranging from deep-water reconnaissance to environmental monitoring and seabed mapping. The system represents a major step forward in Italy’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the underwater robotics and defense technology sector.
At the heart of DEEP lies a multi-layered architecture that integrates an early-warning sensor network, a centralized command-and-control hub for real-time data analysis, and a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) capable of operating in coordinated formations. These AUVs perform surveillance, reconnaissance, and inspection missions across complex maritime environments.
With DEEP, Fincantieri aims to provide navies, coast guards, and private operators with an advanced underwater situational awareness platform, blending AI-driven autonomy, data fusion, and secure communication systems. The launch highlights Italy’s growing focus on undersea domain awareness (UDA) and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure against emerging underwater threats.
