Sentiq Defence has launched operations as an Italian integrator of autonomous and remotely operated maritime systems for defence, security and what it describes as the “blue economy”. The company says it will configure, deliver and support uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), underwater surveillance sonars, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from Italy, working with international manufacturers.
The company is positioning itself around growing demand for persistent monitoring and protection of ports, coastlines and offshore infrastructure, arguing that the underwater domain has become a broader concern for energy operators, port authorities, telecommunications companies and coast guards, not just navies. It also points to industry challenges in integrating platforms, sensors and software from multiple suppliers, alongside support and export constraints.
Sentiq said it will adapt and integrate commercial-off-the-shelf platforms and payloads for customer missions and deliver turnkey systems including training and through-life logistics support through what it described as a single Italian point of contact.
At launch, the company’s product lines include modular USVs for tasks such as hydrographic survey, environmental monitoring, offshore asset inspection and surveillance, as well as military missions including mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare. Its underwater portfolio includes fixed and portable sonars for detecting intruders and longer-range systems aimed at protecting ports, naval bases, coastlines and critical infrastructure, supported by inspection-class ROVs. Sentiq also listed tactical aerial drones intended to extend surveillance range beyond the horizon.
Sentiq Defence was founded by Antonio J. Belfiore, a retired Italian Navy commander specialising in mine warfare. The company said Belfiore served for 25 years, followed by business development and sales roles with defence and subsea technology companies in Denmark and the United Kingdom, before setting up a consultancy in 2025 and developing the Sentiq concept in 2026.
“I learned that technology rarely fails on its own: what fails is integration,” Belfiore said in the announcement.
The company is based in Bordighera on Italy’s Ligurian coast and said it plans to expand international technology partnerships, build assembly, integration and test capability in western Liguria, and develop training and through-life support in Italy.
Sentiq Defence said it will attend EURONAVAL 2026 in Paris (3–6 November 2026) and is available for meetings by appointment.
