Partners to Collaborate on the Development Unmanned and Hybrid Maritime Platforms

20 February 2026

(Image credit: HAVELSAN)

HAVELSAN, Piloda Defence, and VN Maritime have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development, integration and commercialization of unmanned and hybrid (manned–unmanned) maritime platforms tailored for the Italian market.

This long-term partnership aims to deliver next-generation naval solutions aligned with the operational needs of the Mediterranean region.

Strategic Cooperation for the Italian Market

Within the scope of the agreement:

Piloda Defence and VN Maritime Technologies have been authorized as HAVELSAN’s exclusive representatives and industrial partners in Italy for all unmanned surface vehicle (USV) projects.
All engagements with Italian defense authorities, coast guard units, public institutions, and private stakeholders regarding USV opportunities will be conducted under the VN Maritime – Piloda partnership framework.

This structure ensures a coordinated industrial and commercial approach within Italy.

High Technology from Türkiye, Industrial Backbone in Italy

The cooperation combines advanced Turkish defense technologies with strong Italian industrial capabilities.

HAVELSAN’s Contribution

HAVELSAN will provide:

Autonomous control systems
Mission management software
AI-enabled perception capabilities
Secure communication architectures

These technologies form the digital backbone of the unmanned and hybrid platforms.

VN Maritime Technologies’ Role

VN Maritime Technologies will act as prime contractor for platform architecture, contributing:

High-performance maritime platform design
Hybrid operational concepts
Advanced system integration expertise

Piloda Defence’s Role

Piloda Defence, through Piloda Shipyard, will manage:

Local industrial participation in Italy
Shipyard infrastructure and production
Testing and sea trials
Acceptance procedures
Life-cycle support services

Under this integrated model, platform manufacturing, autonomous system integration, deployment, sea trials, demonstrations, maintenance, and logistics support will be carried out in Italy with strong local industrial involvement.

Hybrid and Unmanned Operational Capabilities

The partnership covers next-generation maritime platforms capable of operating in:

Fully autonomous mode
Remotely controlled mode
Manned–unmanned hybrid mode

These platforms are designed for a broad spectrum of missions, including:

Maritime surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)
Counter-smuggling operations
Port and critical infrastructure security
Coastal security and border protection
Search and rescue (SAR) support missions

By combining high-seakeeping platform architectures with HAVELSAN’s autonomous mission systems, the partnership will deliver resilient, mission-oriented solutions optimized for demanding Mediterranean operational environments.

First Procurement Target: First Half of 2026

The parties are working toward signing the first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of 2026.

This initial acquisition is envisioned as the foundation of a broader unmanned maritime platform roadmap for Italy, enabling:

Long-term capability development
Industrial cooperation
Progressive expansion of unmanned maritime assets

Strategic and Industrial Impact

The MoU is expected to contribute significantly to long-term defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Italy by:

Positioning Türkiye’s autonomous maritime expertise within the European market
Combining Turkish platform development capabilities with advanced mission software systems
Establishing a sustainable and scalable industrial model in unmanned and hybrid maritime technologies

Through this cooperation, HAVELSAN, VN Maritime Technologies and Piloda Defence aim to create a high value-added industrial ecosystem that supports future naval innovation across the Mediterranean region.