Fincantieri and Defcomm agree to industrialise autonomous surface vessels
The shipbuilder will support development, industrialisation and integration of Defcomm’s autonomous craft.
Fincantieri announced a strategic co-investment agreement with Defcomm on 20 October 2025 to accelerate development and industrialisation of autonomous surface vessels. The Italian startup’s craft are intended for surveillance, intelligence and patrol missions.
Defcomm’s designs had completed extended operating and endurance tests, according to the announcement. The vessels support autonomous, remote-controlled and manual operation. The partnership combines the startup’s maritime-autonomy technology with Fincantieri’s shipbuilding and systems-integration capabilities.
The companies also plan to develop ways to deploy autonomous surface craft from larger Fincantieri vessels and demonstrate interoperability during training activities. The agreement serves domestic and international markets, but does not disclose an investment amount, procurement quantity or completed fleet deployment.