Italy’s Saipem has unveiled the Hydrone-D, a state-of-the-art underwater drone engineered as a critical asset for the Italian Navy’s future mine countermeasure operations. As the latest hybrid autonomous underwater vehicle (HUAV) in Saipem’s portfolio, Hydrone-D can be operated remotely at depths exceeding 600 meters (1,969 feet), giving it access to challenging and hazardous underwater environments that are typically difficult for conventional systems.
Hydrone-D is equipped to host a sophisticated suite of side-scan sonars, allowing for the precise identification of submerged naval mines and underwater hazards.. A key operational feature is its ability to carry up to four explosive charges, enabling it to not only detect but also neutralize threats in real time. This dual-function approach allows the drone to play both investigative and intervention roles in mine warfare scenarios.
The compact platform is highly modular, supporting advanced autonomy and maneuverability thanks to its six degrees of controlled motion and both tethered (ROV) and autonomous (AUV) operating modes. Its low acoustic and magnetic signature enhances survivability and mission success, meeting NATO STANAG 1364 standards for stealth operations.
The introduction of Hydrone-D represents a major leap in Italy’s contribution to modern naval operations, boosting domestic expertise in underwater robotics and strengthening maritime safety against evolving mine threats.
