Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms
The Italian Navy’s FREMM EVO vessels, based on the Carlo Bergamini, will feature capabilities to enable the management of uncrewed systems. (Photo: Italian Navy)
Turkey’s Havelsan and VN Maritime have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italy’s Piloda Defence to deliver next-generation naval solutions that align with the operational needs of the Mediterranean region, with uncrewed and hybrid platforms at the heart of the deal.
A first procurement contract in Italy through the partnership is being targeted in the first half of 2026, with the parties aiming at a long-term collaboration making use of Turkey’s technological expertise along with Italy’s industrial infrastructure and European ties.
Under the agreement, Turkish software and systems company Havelsan will provide autonomous control systems, mission management software, AI-enabled
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Sealift shortfalls set to drive opportunities across NATO navies
A new Council on Geostrategy primer warns that NATO cannot defend its own supply lines. As the alliance faces a sealift and logistics escort deficit, a wave of unawarded procurement is beginning to take shape.
-
AUKUS advance on UUVs contrasts with Virginia-class compromise
The AUKUS partnership is accelerating uncrewed undersea capability while its submarine arm inches forward, and Australia’s decision to settle for three in-service Virginia-class boats raises questions about industrial risk, dependency and whether Pillar II may deliver meaningful capability long before Pillar I can.
-
Peru partnership may serve as a template for South Korean naval exports into South America
With a growing pipeline of naval modernisation programmes in South America, South Korean companies could be set to expand their presence in the region as recent contract wins highlight growing collaboration.
-
AUKUS plan B? Japan’s submarines stopgap gains traction
Australia’s Collins-class life of type extension has revived debate over whether Canberra needs a contingency plan as risks to every stage of the AUKUS pathway mount. With Japan newly open to exports, the case for a diesel-electric stopgap is gaining traction.
-
Seoul’s SSN programme launch raises questions on fuel, tech and build location
Seoul has unveiled its “Jangbogo-N Project” to develop domestically built, nuclear-propelled attack submarines in close coordination with Washington, marking an escalation of the Republic of Korea’s deterrence posture against Pyongyang’s undersea nuclear capabilities.