Ferretti Security And Defence Looks To Partner Finmeccanica, Saab In Naval Platforms

Italian luxury yacht builder Ferretti Group which announced a new division, Ferretti Security and Defence (FSD) plans to partner Finmeccanica, Saab and Thales in building a range of naval platforms.

The Ferretti Group, known for manufacturing large oceangoing yachts plans to build naval platforms and take the electronics and weapons systems from leading defence equipment manufacturers, its chief executive Alberto Galassi told the media in Rome on February 3.

Ferretti is majority-owned by Weichai, part of the Chinese state-owned Shandong Heavy Industry Group. However Galassi said that the new division will be independent and separate with its own budget and management.

 FSD plans to manufacture five types of vessels for security and patrolling. Among them, the 20 metre-long FSD195, is already in production, said Galassi.

"The high skills of our group in terms of R & D, technological know-how and innovation will apply to the new FSD Division, " said Alberto Galassi, adding “the mission is to develop FSD ships with high technological content, performance and efficiency that meet the operational needs of those who are called to the fundamental task of patrolling and ensuring safety at sea."  Galassi was quoted as saying in formiche.net.

FSD is eyeing the Middle Eastern and European markets where potential customers have already been shown the FSD195 patrol vessel.