In a significant development announced on December 2, 2024, DRASS has entered into a strategic partnership with LEONARDO resulting in an enhanced version of the DS-8 Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV), now configurable with optional BLACK SCORPION light torpedo launch capabilities.

The collaboration between DRASS and LEONARDO represents a significant step forward for the DS-8. By equipping the SDV with advanced torpedo capabilities, this partnership has created a force multiplier for deterrence and rapid response to maritime threats across extensive coastal and littoral environments. As maritime security challenges continue to evolve, particularly in shallow waters and coastal regions, the DS-8 offers a sophisticated, versatile, and combat-ready solution for navies and special forces worldwide thanks to its combination of stealth, speed, and now, significant offensive capabilities. Information about clients is always sensitive in the underwater domain, but insights from the company confirm that at least one or two clients have procured several vehicles, and negotiations are ongoing with a few potential clients in Asia and in the Middle East.

The DS-8 is an advanced Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) designed and manufactured by DRASS, an Italian company with a rich history in underwater technology dating back to the 1920s. This state-of-the-art submersible is part of the DS-class of SDVs, which are specifically engineered for transporting combat divers and their equipment over significant distances in maritime environments. The DS-8 is a larger variant of the DS-class, capable of accommodating up to eight commandos or a combination of divers and payload. With a weight of 4 tons, including a 1,000 kg gear container payload capacity, the DS-8 boasts dimensions of 7.7 m in length, 1.6 m in beam, and 1.7 m in height.

This versatile SDV is designed to operate effectively in various sea conditions. It can function on the surface up to Sea State 2 and submerged up to Sea State 3, with the ability to bottom on the seabed at an operating depth of 50 m and a maximum depth of 80 m. The DS-8's versatility is further emphasized by being transportable at depths of up to 100 m. In addition to its traditional role for special operations, this flexibility positions the DS-8 as an asset for critical patrol of maritime territories and assets, intelligence gathering, and asymmetric countermeasures. The DS-8's battery-powered propulsion system allows for a maximum underwater speed of 6.5 knots, a cruise speed of 4.5 knots, and a surface speed of 3.5 knots. Equipped with advanced sensor technology, the DS-8 features a 360-degree optronic system that includes CCTV, day/night optical sight, and thermal imaging capabilities. Additionally, it is fitted with a forward-looking sonar (FLS) for enhanced situational awareness. The primary roles of the DS-8 include infiltrating and exfiltrating commandos to and from enemy territory, discrete coastal patrolling, and intelligence gathering.

The upgraded DS-8 now features two launch tubes equipped for LEONARDO's BLACK SCORPION light torpedoes, transforming it into an advanced, combat-ready platform for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and maritime security missions. This summer, the DS-8 successfully demonstrated its new capabilities by launching BLACK SCORPION torpedoes in both static and dynamic conditions during sea trials (see video below).

The Leonardo BLACK SCORPION is a state-of-the-art miniature torpedo designed for shallow-water operations and anti-submarine warfare. With a length of 1.1 m and a diameter of 127mm, this compact weapon weighs just 11 kg and can operate in depths ranging from 30 to 200 meters. The BLACK SCORPION has a top speed exceeding 12 knots and a 2.8 kg PBX-type explosive charge with multiple fusing options. It can be launched from various platforms, including aircraft, ships, submarines, and even unmanned vehicles, making it highly versatile. The torpedo's primary purpose is to force hidden threats like midget submarines or underwater unmanned vehicles to reveal themselves, accelerating the classification process and avoiding the use of more expensive conventional torpedoes. Its ability to operate effectively in cluttered coastal waters and its potential in asymmetric warfare scenarios make the BLACK SCORPION a valuable asset for shallow-water operations, ideal for countering both fast-moving surface vessels and conventional submarines. This addition provides deterrence and defence against maritime threats in coastal and littoral environments.

According to Sergio Cappelletti, Managing Director at DRASS, “the BLACK SCORPION marks a milestone in the development of comprehensive capabilities for the DS-8. This will be also reported on our AUV projects, which are largely based on the DS-8, and will allow the use of manned and unmanned vehicles as maritime security assets, including deterrence role.”

Indeed, draining from the DS-8, DRASS is developing the RONDA AUV an advanced Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) designed for intelligence gathering and potential minelaying operations. DRASS holds a proprietary patent for an original, highly accurate mine-laying system that enables submarine vehicles to place mines in stable conditions. 

The RONDA AUV is characterized by its considerable size, measuring approximately 11 m in length in its full configuration. The vehicle's design repurposes the passenger space typically found in the DS-8 SDV, replacing it with additional batteries and payload capacity. This modification significantly enhances the RONDA's endurance and operational capabilities. An extended length version is possible and it would allow for increased payload capacity and operational range compared to smaller underwater vehicles. The design of the RONDA is modular, potentially allowing for shorter or longer configurations to be built for missions requiring different range or payload space. 

The development of the RONDA AUV aligns with the growing trend in naval technology towards autonomous underwater systems. These vehicles are particularly valuable for their ability to conduct long-duration missions in potentially hostile or sensitive areas without risking human operators. According to Sergio Cappelletti, the Italian Navy will likely evaluate the system as its strategy for the expansion of its underwater warfare capabilities shapes up.

Interestingly, there are indications that the RONDA AUV might be the "autonomous attack submarine" reportedly being constructed for Indonesia.

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