BORDIGHERA, Italy, — Sentiq Defence has officially commenced operations as an Italian integrator of autonomous and remotely operated maritime systems for defence, security and the blue economy. Operating as a commercial brand of AJB Subsea SRL, the company integrates uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), underwater surveillance systems, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) developed with international manufacturers.
The company aims to address the challenges faced by navies, coast guards, port authorities, energy operators and telecommunications companies in monitoring large maritime areas and protecting underwater infrastructure with limited resources. By integrating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) platforms, sensors and software, Sentiq plans to provide turnkey solutions through a single Italian point of contact, including system integration, training and long-term logistical support.
Three-Domain Portfolio
Sentiq Defence's portfolio covers surface, underwater and aerial operations.
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Surface: The modular SQ family of USVs can be configured for hydrographic surveys, environmental monitoring, offshore asset inspections and persistent surveillance, as well as defence missions such as mine countermeasures (MCM) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
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Underwater: The company offers fixed SQ DDS, portable SQ PDDS and long-range SQ UDS sonars for intruder detection and the protection of ports, naval bases, coastlines and critical infrastructure. Inspection-class ROVs support underwater inspection activities.
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Air: Tactical UAS extend the surveillance range of surface vessels beyond the horizon.
The integrated approach is intended to reduce the difficulties associated with sourcing equipment from multiple suppliers, including incompatible interfaces, separate support arrangements and varying export restrictions.
Founder and Company Strategy
Sentiq Defence was founded by Antonio J. Belfiore, a retired Italian Navy Commander with 25 years of active service specialising in mine warfare. His career included operational and staff appointments at national and international levels. After leaving the Navy, he worked in business development and sales for defence and subsea technology companies in the United Kingdom and Denmark. He established a strategic consultancy in 2025 and developed the framework for Sentiq Defence in 2026.
Belfiore, now the company's CEO, said integration was a central challenge in maritime technology. He said Sentiq would provide mission-focused solutions developed with international partners, customised in Italy and supported by experienced personnel. The company operates under the principle “Command your space.”
Headquartered in Bordighera on Italy's western Ligurian coast, Sentiq has access to the maritime centres of Genoa and La Spezia, as well as France's naval and technology hubs in Toulon and Sophia Antipolis.
Its three-stage growth plan includes consolidating international technology partnerships, establishing an assembly, integration and test hub in western Liguria, and expanding training and long-term support services for Italian and international customers.
Sentiq Defence is scheduled to make its first major public appearance at the EURONAVAL naval exhibition in Paris Nord Villepinte, France, from November 3 to 6, 2026.
Focus on Maritime Infrastructure Security
The company enters the market amid increased attention to protecting ports, undersea cables and pipelines. The 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions and subsequent damage to power and data cables in the Baltic Sea have highlighted the challenges of monitoring underwater infrastructure.
Sentiq aims to address these requirements by combining surface, underwater and aerial technologies into mission-specific systems, supported by integration, training and logistical services from Italy.
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