Fincantieri Launches Its First Integrated Underwater Drone System DEEP
Fincantieri (Italy’s leading shipbuilder) has unveiled its first integrated underwater drone system named DEEP (Dynamic Ecosystem for Enhanced Performance). The debut event was held on 23 October, at the Italian Navy’s Support and Experimentation Center in La Spezia. DEEP combines advanced robotics and AI for both civilian and military applications. Fincantieri’s CEO called this milestone “tangible proof” of pushing the boundaries of innovation and of Italy’s leadership in underwater technology.
DEEP integrates a network of underwater sensors, a real-time command-and-control center and multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) into one unified “system-of-systems.” Each element plays a role as fiber-optic hydrophone arrays form an acoustic early-warning barrier and AUVs carry optical, acoustic, and environmental sensors for inspection and surveillance. AI-powered analytics help operators quickly identify threats and anomalies as all collected data flows into the Underwater Management System (UMS) command hub.
DEEP is designed to protect and maintain critical undersea infrastructure. The system can track and provide real-time alerts to authorities about intrusions or damage to pipelines, cables and other fixed seabed assets. DEEP also conducts environmental surveillance—for example, tracking water quality and marine life in sensitive areas. Military operators can deploy it to harden naval bases and chokepoints against sabotage as the system is dual-use. Its applications range from routine infrastructure upkeep to supporting hybrid-warfare resilience.
Fincantieri stresses that DEEP’s drones can operate at varying autonomy levels. Operators can direct them manually for specific tasks or let them follow pre-programmed missions with AI coordination, enabling swarm-like behaviors. The company has built DEEP on a national “Underwater Technology Hub” model, uniting Italy’s industrial supply chain—including universities and SMEs—under a single program.
DEEP marks a major advancement in integrated maritime defense by providing a complete solution for underwater domain awareness and infrastructure security. The launch reflects a global trend toward employing unmanned systems under the sea to support both national security and commercial needs. DEEP positions Italy among the leaders in deploying autonomous maritime defense systems as Fincantieri advances with underwater drones.