► Piloda Defence, Havelsan and VN Maritime launch Italy – focused cooperation on unmanned and hybrid maritime platforms

Naples, February 17th, 2026 – Piloda Defence, HAVELSAN 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. The partnership reflects a long-term vision to deliver next-generation naval solutions aligned with the operational needs of the Mediterranean region.

Within the scope of the agreement, Piloda Defence and VN Maritime have been authorized as HAVELSAN’s exclusive representatives and industrial partners for all Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) projects in Italy. Accordingly, engagements with Italian defense authorities, coast guard units, public institutions and private sector stakeholders regarding USV opportunities will be carried out through the VN Maritime – Piloda partnership framework.

High Technology from Türkiye, Industrial Backbone in Italy

HAVELSAN will contribute advanced defense technologies to the partnership, including autonomous control systems, mission management software, AI-enabled perception capabilities and secure communication architectures.

VN Maritime Technologies will act as the prime contractor for the platform architecture, bringing its expertise in high-performance maritime platform design, hybrid operational concepts and system integration capabilities.

Piloda Shipyard, through Piloda Defence, will be responsible for local industrial participation in Italy, including shipyard infrastructure, production activities, testing and sea trials, acceptance procedures, and life cycle support services.

Through this integrated model, platform manufacturing and integration, deployment of autonomous systems, sea trials and demonstration activities, as well as maintenance, sustainment and logistics support will be carried out in Italy with strong local industrial involvement.

Hybrid and Unmanned Operational Capabilities

The cooperation covers next-generation maritime platforms capable of operating in fully autonomous, remotely controlled and manned – unmanned hybrid modes. These platforms are being designed for a wide range of missions, including maritime surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), counter smuggling operations, port and critical infrastructure security, coastal security and border protection, and search and rescue support missions.

The combination of high-seakeeping platform architectures with HAVELSAN’s autonomous mission systems will deliver resilient, mission-oriented solutions optimized for the demanding operational conditions of the Mediterranean.

First Order Targeted for the First Half of 2026

The parties are working towards signing the first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of 2026. This initial acquisition is envisioned as the starting point of a broader unmanned maritime platform roadmap for Italy, paving the way for long-term capability development and industrial cooperation.

Strategic and Industrial Contribution

The MoU is also expected to make a long-term contribution to defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Italy by positioning Türkiye’s expertise in autonomous maritime systems within the European market and by offering an integrated portfolio that brings together Turkish platform development capabilities with advanced software and mission systems.

Through this strategic cooperation, HAVELSAN, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence aim to establish a sustainable, scalable and high value-added industrial model in the field of unmanned and hybrid maritime platforms.