Global Race for Underwater Robots to Protect Vital Infrastructure
Defense companies and shipbuilders are significantly expanding their development and deployment of unmanned maritime and underwater vehicles. These advanced robotic systems are designed to conduct a wider range of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and defensive missions without requiring human crews for every task. This emerging layer of smaller, autonomous or remotely operated craft complements traditional large warships and submarines, enabling broader area coverage and infrastructure inspection.
The strategic advantage lies in extending naval operational reach and freeing up manned vessels for missions where their presence is indispensable. A notable development in this sector is Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's July announcement of agreements to acquire stakes in four companies specializing in underwater robotics, uncrewed surface vessels, underwater communication, and marine surveying. This initial investment totals approximately 600 million euros.
Fincantieri projects that this integrated underwater operation will generate revenues of around 1.1 billion euros and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of approximately 220 million euros by 2026. This forecast encompasses both military applications and commercial services, indicating a broad market scope.
The term "sea drone" is broadly applied to various systems, including surface-skimming craft and submerged vehicles, operating either autonomously or under remote control. Their roles range from data collection and object detection to infrastructure integrity checks and specialized military operations. The need for protection extends to critical undersea assets like communication cables and pipelines, as well as offshore energy platforms.
Israeli companies are also active in this burgeoning field. DSIT, which went public on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in March 2026, develops sonar and underwater defense systems for ports, naval bases, and strategic infrastructure. Rafael, holding a significant stake in DSIT, integrates its technologies into naval defense, focusing on underwater threat detection and tracking. Israel Aerospace Industries is also involved through its participation in the German Navy's autonomous submarine program, highlighting the complex supply chain required for these advanced systems.
