The agreement aims to integrate advanced carbon-based technologies into the civil and military sectors, opening new frontiers in terms of lightness, safety, and operational capability.
Fincantieri has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aeronautical Service, a SME-company specialized in the development of advanced aerospace solutions, to launch a strategic collaboration focused on the large-scale adoption of carbon-based composite materials and innovative technologies in both civil and military naval applications.
The agreement was signed in La Spezia during Seafuture 2025 by Mauro Manzini, Vice President Sales of the Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division, and Kris Bordignon, CEO of Aeronautical Service.
Through this partnership, Fincantieri takes a decisive step forward in the implementation of its industrial strategy, which seeks to extend the Group’s technological perimeter beyond the use of steel, consolidating its role as an enabler of innovation also in the most advanced and high-tech market segments.
Carbon composite materials, enhanced with nanotechnologies and proprietary engineering solutions, provide a set of key benefits: structural lightness, reduction of radar, infrared and magnetic signatures, high mechanical strength, ballistic protection, fire resistance, and modularity. These features make them strategic both for the evolution of military platforms and for civil applications in sectors where performance and safety are essential.
In particular, the cooperation will focus on the development of a new high-speed Combatant Craft Heavy (CCH) vessel, built in carbon-fiber composites enhanced by nanotechnology. The unit will also feature state-of-the-art stealth performance through reduced radar (RCS), infrared, and magnetic signatures, while ensuring safety and resilience thanks to multifunctional composite materials with fire-retardant and ballistic protection properties. The unit will also be equipped with integrated self-defense systems and will support operations with drones, loitering munitions, and advanced surveillance and communication technologies. Payloads will be fully reconfigurable to adapt to different mission profiles.
The agreement further confirms Fincantieri’s ability to collaborate effectively with the SME ecosystem, leveraging specialized expertise and promoting innovation through open and synergic industrial models.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated: “With this agreement we clearly affirm our pioneering role in introducing composite materials at sea. It represents a technological paradigm shift that aims to combine innovation, safety and sustainability across all strategic civil and military applications. We are pleased to collaborate with Aeronautical Service, a technologically advanced SME, to jointly design the next generation of shipbuilding.”
“For Aeronautical Service, it is a great honor to collaborate with a group of excellence such as Fincantieri,” said Kris Bordignon, CEO of Aeronautical Service. “This fully Italian agreement strengthens our mission to transfer innovation to leading industrial partners, enhancing our expertise in advanced materials and next-generation platforms.
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Fincantieri
Fincantieri is one of the world's largest shipbuilding groups, the only player active in all high complexity marine industry sectors. The Group is a leader in the construction of cruise ships, naval and offshore vessels, and stands out for its extensive experience in the development of underwater solutions, thanks to its integrated industrial structure capable of managing and coordinating all activities related to the commercial, defense, and dual-use sectors. It holds a strong presence in key markets also thanks to the internalization of high value-added, distinctive technologies; it is also a leader in sustainable innovation and in the digital transformation of the shipbuilding sector. The company is active in the field of mechatronics, electronics, and digital naval systems, as well as in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and marine interiors solutions. It also offers a wide range of after-sales services, including logistic support and fleet assistance. With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri is a global player with a production network of 18 shipyards worldwide and over 23,000 employees. It maintains its know-how, expertise and management centres in Italy, where it directly employs over 12,000 workers and creates around 90,000 indirect jobs.
Aeronautical Service
Aeronautical Service is an Italian technology company specializing in the licensing of proprietary innovations in advanced composite materials. The company partners with leading players in the construction and manufacturing industries to accelerate technological transformation, with applications spanning both defense and civilian markets. Aeronautical Service has developed proprietary families of nano-structured composite materials, including high-temperature shielding and fireproof solutions resistant up to 2,800°C, electromagnetic wave absorbing and shielding composites, and advanced sound-absorbing systems. All technologies are fully proprietary, safeguarded by patents and trade secrets, ensuring complete freedom to operate. The company operates a production center for small aerospace-quality series and has entered into a licensing agreement with Teijin, a global leader in composites, to secure large-scale production for automotive, naval, rail, and other civil mass applications. Aeronautical Service’s materials have reached TRL 9 maturity and are already deployed across aircraft, naval, rail, and automotive platforms, both in serial production and as prototypes, offering disruptive solutions at competitive costs with fast industrial cycles.
