DBDC INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE PUBLICATIONS & EVENTS UK LTD

Photo credit: HAVELSAN

Piloda Shipyard, through its Piloda Defence division, has signed a strategic framework cooperation agreement with HAVELSAN and VN Maritime Technologies for the development, production and delivery of next-generation hybrid surface vessels in Italy. The agreement marks a significant expansion of an already established industrial partnership and positions Italy as a key production hub for advanced maritime platforms.

The cooperation builds on the 2025 programme for the joint production of 40 fifteen-metre vessels for the Italian Coast Guard, valued at €159.2 million. Under the new framework, the partners will extend their collaboration to hybrid and unmanned surface vessel (USV) solutions, targeting the operational requirements of the Guardia di Finanza and other Italian government institutions.

At the core of the agreement is the development of hybrid platforms capable of operating in three distinct modes: fully manned, unmanned, or mixed-mode. Crucially, these configurations can be switched without requiring structural modifications. This flexibility enables a wide range of missions, including autonomous surveillance, coordinated swarm operations, patrol, search and rescue (SAR), transport and boarding operations.

The hybrid concept also provides a practical solution to current regulatory limitations surrounding fully autonomous vessels. By allowing onboard personnel when required, these platforms can be immediately deployed within existing legal frameworks, ensuring operational readiness for Italian authorities.

The vessels are based on the patented ÖK Hull technology, licensed from Icelandic company Rafnar and further developed by VN Maritime Technologies. This advanced hull design reduces slamming impact by up to 95% compared to conventional V-hull configurations, significantly enhancing vessel durability, reducing maintenance requirements and improving crew comfort.

Operational performance is further enhanced by increased stability, ensuring continuous functionality of onboard systems. Underwater sensors remain consistently submerged, while electro-optical systems, cameras and surveillance equipment require less stabilization, improving overall mission effectiveness.

Each partner contributes distinct capabilities to the programme. Piloda Defence will act as the production hub and system integrator in Italy, leveraging over fifteen years of experience supporting Coast Guard and Guardia di Finanza fleets. HAVELSAN will provide advanced command-and-control systems, autonomous navigation and sensor fusion technologies, drawing on its extensive experience in deploying unmanned systems across air, land and naval domains. VN Maritime Technologies will deliver naval design expertise and high-performance hull solutions tailored to mission-specific requirements.

The partners aim to secure the first purchase order in the first half of 2026. The programme foresees the development of multiple platform variants, addressing a broad spectrum of missions including defence, maritime security and environmental monitoring.

This agreement reflects a broader strategic objective: strengthening Italy’s domestic industrial base while introducing cutting-edge autonomous and hybrid capabilities into national fleets. By combining advanced technologies with local production, the partnership is set to deliver mission-ready platforms aligned with the evolving operational needs of Italian and European institutions.