Piloda Defence at SEAFUTURE 2025
SEAFUTURE
Piloda Defence at SEAFUTURE 2025: unveiling the PD15, PD21 and USV12 projects
Piloda Defence, the newly established department of Piloda Shipyard dedicated to advanced naval engineering for military and strategic applications, will take part in the upcoming edition of Seafuture, the international exhibition hosted at the Naval Base of La Spezia, focused on innovation, maritime technologies, defence, dual-use and the blue economy.
This participation marks an important step in Piloda Defence’s strategy, as the company presents to the market a series of pre-commercial solutions with high technological content, designed to meet the operational needs of the Search and Rescue (SAR) sector and naval defence.
At the exhibition, Piloda Defence will showcase for the first time two projects dedicated to Search and Rescue, the PD15 and PD21 models, and an Unmanned Surface Vessel platform, the USV12, developed in partnership with VN Maritime and Havelsan.
The PD15 represents a new generation of high-performance SAR vessels for mediumrange rescue missions. Its hull is built in high-strength composite material using vacuum infusion technology, in compliance with RINA rules for unrestricted navigation and certified with the main safety class notations — including Self-Right, Unsink and Green CP. The vessel is designed for all-weather operations, capable of withstanding significant wave
heights up to 5 metres and Beaufort Force 7 winds. The wheelhouse, offering a 225- degree field of vision and equipped with six shock-absorbing seats, integrates a full navigation and communication suite with CCTV coverage. Interior spaces include a crew area with four berths, a galley, sanitary facilities and a dinette, while the open deck has been designed for rapid and efficient rescue operations, featuring hydraulic recovery
platforms, specialised assets such as the Rescue Runner, and complete medical equipment. The project has already achieved strong operational recognition, with up to 40 units commissioned by the Italian Coast Guard.
The PD21, entirely built in aluminium, is designed for long-range SAR operations. Also developed in compliance with RINA rules and awarded the most advanced class notations, it is engineered to operate in extreme conditions, withstanding wave heights up to 7 metres and Beaufort Force 8 winds. Powered by twin inboard MAN diesel engines coupled with Kamewa FF600 waterjets, the vessel reaches speeds of 28–30 knots and offers a range of
600 nautical miles. The layout provides separate spaces for crew and survivors: below deck there are cabins for four crew members, a galley, dinette and sanitary facilities, while a dedicated survivor area can accommodate up to 34 persons with medical support. A multifunctional room adjacent to the wheelhouse can be fitted out as an operations centre or a medical station. Aft, a large protected working deck with recovery systems ensures
safe and efficient large-scale rescue missions.
The third highlight is the USV12, a 12-metre naval platform configurable for manned or fully unmanned operations. Developed jointly by VN Maritime and Havelsan, in collaboration with Piloda Defence, it stands out as one of the most innovative projects atSeafuture. The design is based on the patented Rafnar Hull, ensuring exceptional stability and safety even in challenging sea conditions. The USV12 represents a new generation of naval platforms, integrating VN Maritime’s advanced design expertise with Havelsan’s mission control and autonomous technologies, to deliver a versatile solution for future maritime operations.
“With the USV12 project, our ambition is to bring together proven seakeeping performance with advanced autonomous capabilities,” states Orkun Özek, Chairman of VN Maritime.
“Our partnership with Havelsan demonstrates how our engineering can successfully merge innovation and operational reliability, offering a robust platform for both defence and search and rescue missions.”
“The collaboration on USV12 confirms Havelsan’s dedication to shaping the future of unmanned naval technologies,” explains Deniz Remzi Dumlu, Director of Naval Programs at Havelsan. “By combining VN Maritime’s expertise in high-performance naval platforms with Havelsan’s integrated mission systems, we are creating a solution that will strengthen maritime security and enhance operational effectiveness for our partners.”
“With the PD15, PD21 and USV12 projects, our goal is not only to address immediate operational needs in search and rescue, surveillance and military tasks, but also to deliver solutions that integrate automation, reliability and high operational standards,” states Donato Di Palo, CEO of Piloda Shipyard Division and Co-Founder of Piloda Group.
“Although these products are still in a pre-commercial stage, we are confident that the robustness of the designs and the experience gained over more than fifteen years in supporting military units will enable us to successfully scale up production. Seafuture represents a strategic opportunity for Piloda Defence to establish decisive relationships and strengthen our competitive presence in the institutional defence sector.”
Thanks to the participation of international delegations, contractors and both military and civilian institutions, Seafuture offers Piloda Defence a privileged stage to showcase its technological assets, strengthen ties with the Italian Coast Guard, Guardia di Finanza and Navy, and expand into international markets, with a particular focus on Mediterranean countries.
The company’s presence at the exhibition is part of a broader growth path that positions Piloda Defence as a regional technological hub for the development of next-generation naval platforms, combining advanced SAR solutions with unmanned systems for maritime defence and security.
