Italy eyes naval drone carrier opportunities under Project Sciamano
An artist’s impression of Portugal's Plataforma Naval Multifuncional ship. The Italian Sciamano project looks to be taking a similar approach. (Image: Portuguese MoD)
Italy has revealed details of a new programme to develop a naval vessel designed to act as a mothership for uncrewed systems.
The programme, dubbed Sciamano, aims to deliver a concept design for the Sciamano Drone Carrier (SDC). The SDC will feature a control, command and communication (C3) network intended to operate drone swarms along with dedicated launch and recovery systems (LARS).
According to a document published by the Italian MoD in October, work on Sciamano will start with a study phase, focused on setting out requirements and identifying appropriate technologies.
The effort will then move on to conceptual design of subsystems, a critical stage that will help steer technical and operational requirements for the SDC.
Phase 2 will involve creation of a virtual model of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening]()
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
-
![First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026]()
First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026
Canadian Coast Guard Ship Arpatuuq construction is in the block manufacturing phase. Once built, it will be the largest vessel in the Coast Guard’s inventory.
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
![Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet]()
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
