In a strategic move aimed at redefining Italy’s naval power, the nation’s leading shipbuilder is exploring the integration of next-generation nuclear reactors, while the military studies the feasibility of its first atomic-powered naval forces.
Nuclear power at sea: The Minerva project and the search for next-generation reactors
Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero recently confirmed the company’s significant interest in nuclear propulsion, noting that current studies focus on third- and fourth-generation reactors. While an immediate deployment is not on the horizon, the Italian shipbuilder is actively seeking partnerships to cover the entire value chain of this complex technology. This initiative aligns with the Minerva project, launched by the Italian Ministry of Defense, which evaluates how small nuclear reactors can provide both propulsion and electricity for future surface ships and submarines. Currently, in Europe, only France, the UK, and Russia operate such vessels, but Italian officials believe it is time for Rome to adopt a visionary stance in this field.
Innovation under pressure: Lessons from Ukraine and the revolution in underwater communications
Beyond nuclear ambitions, Fincantieri is focusing on unmanned technologies, drawing inspiration from the dynamics of the war in Ukraine. Folgiero highlighted that the primary interest lies not necessarily in the physical construction of surface drones, but in sophisticated command and control systems. The ability to maintain secure satellite links in areas without telecom coverage is the essential lesson taken from the Ukrainian front. To this end, the company is already collaborating to integrate wireless technologies into underwater drones designed to protect critical infrastructure, a sector considered vital for modern maritime security.
Navigating shared waters: The European patrol corvette as a model for defense integration
Another priority on the Italian shipbuilder’s agenda is strengthening continental cooperation to avoid the duplication of research and production costs. The European Patrol Corvette (EPC) program, involving Italy, France, Spain, and Greece, is cited as a success story in harmonizing military requirements. According to Fincantieri leadership, the standardization of naval platforms is the only logical path forward, arguing that there are no „Italian or French waves,” but rather a single maritime environment that requires common solutions. This collaborative approach aims to create interconnected vessels capable of operating efficiently within an integrated European defense architecture.
