The drone will support New Generation Minehunters in clearing mined areas, in seabed surveillance operations for the control and protection of critical underwater infrastructure (i.e., oil and gas pipelines and maritime data networks), and for the protection of cultural heritage and the marine environment.
Sarzana (La Spezia), 12 February 2026 – Intermarine S.p.A. (IMMSI industrial group – IMS.MI) announces that it has begun development of an innovative unmanned surface vehicle (USV – Unmanned Surface Vehicle) for the Italian Navy, with highly modular capabilities that will allow the integration of multiple and different types of systems and sensors.
The modularity, in line with the concept developed for the New Generation Minehunters, will allow Intermarine USV to operate across the full spectrum of underwater operations: minehunting, protection and control of critical underwater infrastructure, wreck search, hydrographic mapping and intelligence.
The new drone is part of a broad program to modernize mine countermeasures capabilities and control and protection of critical underwater infrastructure that the Italian Navy launched last year, which has led to the construction of the New Generation Minehunter units, which will replace the units currently in service.
The study of the new USV leverages the experience gained in designing minehunters by adopting the most advanced composite construction techniques to an innovative drone, specifically for countering of naval mines, with a focus on the highest levels of autonomy, resilience, and effectiveness.
The USV will be able to operate completely autonomously or be remotely controlled, expanding the operational capabilities of minehunters and contributing to the protection of larger units. This is achieved by seeking the best balance of weight and size, allowing it to be transported by the largest possible number of ships, taking advantage of the spaces and facilities dedicated to manned RHIBs.
"With the development of these innovative unmanned surface vehicles, "commented Livio Corghi, CEO of Intermarine, "we are investing in a sector of absolute strategic importance, combining our experience in the Underwater sector with the most advanced autonomous driving and artificial intelligence technologies, with the constant goal of ensuring maximum safety, operational effectiveness, and the best results. These vehicles are destined to play a strategic role in mine clearance operations, seabed surveillance operations, the monitoring and protection of critical underwater infrastructure (e.g., oil and gas pipelines and maritime data networks), and the protection of cultural heritage and the marine environment."