Newsletters
Italian naval defense capabilities are set for a major upgrade as Piloda Shipyard, a subsidiary of Piloda Group, has secured a public contract to build new vessels for the Italian coast guard.
The fleet modernization initiative will see the gradual replacement of 40 existing boats, with the first phase involving the construction of four next-generation units.
The new vessels will be developed using a design by VN Maritime Technologies, which incorporates Rafnar’s patented OK Hull technology.
These vessels are tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Italian coast guard and represent a major advancement in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and remote-control systems for unmanned surface and underwater drones.
VN Maritime Technologies confirmed the development in a statement posted on LinkedIn: "As IDEF International Defence Industry Fair 2025 continues, we are proud to announce a significant export project for our country. Together with Piloda Shipyard, we are starting the production of 15-meter next-generation Search & Rescue (SAR) boats for the Italian coast guard."
The company further stated: "This strategic modernization project, which aims to gradually renew a 40-vessel fleet, will see all platforms built in Istanbul and delivered to the Italian Coast Guard fleet following acceptance tests in Italy. The first delivery is planned within 15 months."
The vessels will feature a "Self-Righting" capability that requires no power to operate. All engineering work for the boats will be carried out by VN Maritime. "The boats, which will be equipped with 2 diesel engines and a water jet propulsion system, will have a maximum speed of 35 knots," the company noted.
This hull design offers exceptional dynamic stability and seakeeping performance while reducing wave impacts by up to 95%.
1 min read
