The conference at the Navy Non-Commissioned Officers' Club in Rome, entitled "The Anthropization of the Underwater Domain - A New Global Arena for Strategic Confrontation," provided an important opportunity for reflection and discussion on the evolution of the underwater domain in terms of strategy, technology and security. The event opened with Lt. Gen. Antonio Tangorra, ITAF (Ret.), expressing his gratitude for the patronage received from the Italian navy and the Polo Nazionale della Dimensione Subacquea (National Underwater Dimension Centre).
The first speech was given by Rear Adm. Francesco Milazzo of the Navy General Staff, who outlined the central role of the National Centre for Underwater Activities as an interministerial structure aimed at promoting technological innovation, the protection of critical infrastructure and cooperation between the public and private sectors, universities and industry. Through targeted calls for proposals, the centre promotes the development of autonomous underwater capabilities and advanced communication, surveillance and intervention systems.
During the first session, representatives from Telespazio, Cinzia Crostarosa and Giuseppe Tomasicchio, illustrated spatial solutions for the positioning and management of critical underwater infrastructure, highlighting the potential of hybrid platforms and integrated systems for the remote control of underwater drones. Next, Elettronica S.p.A., represented by Lorenzo Geremei, focused on the synergies between the underwater and electromagnetic domains, proposing a multidisciplinary approach to infrastructure defence and resilience. Finally, Thales Alenia Space, with Miriam Petrone and Paolo Conforto, presented underwater communication technologies based on hybrid and satellite networks, capable of ensuring reliable connections between naval, air and submarine platforms.
After the coffee break, prizes were awarded to the winners of the thesis competition on the theme "Italy and the Underwater Dimension."
The second session featured a presentation by Leonardo, focusing on new technological challenges for defence electronics in the underwater domain and the importance of collaboration with the National Cluster to accelerate innovation. Chiara Petrioli, WSense, then presented underwater wireless communication solutions based on patented Internet of Underwater Things technologies, useful for environmental monitoring, marine area protection and infrastructure inspection. The session was closed by Francesco Pacini, WASS Submarine Systems, who discussed the concept of Seabed Warfare, illustrating integrated threat detection and response systems for the defence of critical underwater infrastructure, including smart torpedoes and acoustic effectors.
The last session highlighted the experiences of Saipem, which, with Stefano Meggio, illustrated its solutions for persistence and safety on the seabed, including HyDrone vehicles and underwater repair systems, and operational cases in Norway, Qatar and Brazil. In closing, Giampaolo Annoni, Snam, described his company's offshore pipeline network in the Strait of Messina and its connection to the OLT terminal in Livorno, highlighting the effectiveness of monitoring and control technologies in ensuring the safety and resilience of the national energy system.
The conference highlighted the growing strategic value of the underwater dimension and the central role of the national ecosystem in its protection and enhancement.
|
