Italian Navy Envisions Future with Drone Swarms, Tasks Fincantieri with New Vessel Designs
ROME – The Italian Navy is embarking on a transformative initiative aimed at integrating swarms of drones into its future maritime operations, encompassing airborne, surface, and underwater capabilities. At a recent conference in Rome, Capt. Gianluca Marcilli detailed the Navy’s ambitious project named “Swarm Drone Carrier,” which envisions vessels capable of deploying multiple drones for critical missions, including search and rescue, interception, and interdiction.
The Navy has commissioned Fincantieri, Italy’s premier shipbuilder, to pioneer designs for these innovative drone-friendly vessels. “We expect new navy vessels in ten years to be equipped with a substantial number of drones, and we want to be prepared,” Marcilli stated, highlighting the necessity for forward-thinking designs.
To accommodate various types of drones, Marcilli emphasized the need for ship designs that incorporate efficient launch and recovery systems for aerial, surface, and underwater drones. Current research indicates that future ships could host between six to ten underwater drones launched through hull apertures, rather than relying on traditional crane systems. For unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), the study referenced Fincantieri’s SAND USV, which has demonstrated an operational autonomy of up to 72 hours.
Additionally, the airborne component of the Navy’s drone strategy includes the deployment of four to six drones, drawing upon the capabilities of the Hero, a 200kg rotary drone developed by Leonardo, another Italian defense giant. The Navy is also exploring the integration of fixed-wing and loitering munitions aboard its vessels.
However, a significant obstacle remains: effectively integrating commercial drones with the Navy’s classified Combat Management Systems. To address this challenge, the study led to the creation of a prototype Landing Platform Dock designed specifically to serve as a drone carrier.
Marcilli stressed that the primary goal of the study and collaboration with Fincantieri is to adapt existing vessels currently under construction or in the planning phases. This includes optimizing drone integration into the new Trieste Landing Helicopter Dock, which will also accommodate the F-35B combat jet. Additional upgrades are anticipated for the new PPX patrol vessels and two Fremm EVO frigates ordered from Fincantieri last year, enhancing their capabilities to counter drone threats while deploying their own.
As technological advancements continue to reshape naval warfare, the Italian Navy’s bold vision sets a course for a future where drone swarms play a crucial role in maritime operations.
Reporting by Tom Kington, Italy Correspondent for Defense News.
