11 Dec Saudi–Italian Initiative Advances Next-Generation Security Research at KAUST
- Fincantieri and KAUST have initiated a scholarship to support research in maritime security, cyber resilience, and navigation technologies in Saudi Arabia.
- Research projects will focus on AIS authentication, GPS spoofing detection, and star-based position verification.
- This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
In a significant move aimed at bolstering maritime safety and technology, Fincantieri, Italy’s leading shipbuilding company, has partnered with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. They have unveiled a scholarship program designed to promote cutting-edge research in areas such as maritime security, cyber resilience, and navigation technologies.
This scholarship was announced on December 4, 2025, at KAUST, and aims to empower young researchers. Their focus will be on developing technical solutions to secure vessel navigation against rising threats, including vulnerabilities in the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and GPS spoofing. These threats can misrepresent ship positions and thereby jeopardize the safety of critical maritime routes. Fincantieri’s official communication emphasized that this initiative is built upon a previously signed memorandum of understanding, reinforcing its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of enhancing local research and technological capabilities.
The scholarship program targets three primary research areas: creating advanced authentication methods for AIS signals to prevent unauthorized manipulation, detecting GPS spoofing through intelligent satellite data analysis, and enhancing star-based position verification with machine learning algorithms. The ultimate objective is to develop an operational software platform that can be seamlessly integrated into on-board digital systems, contributing to Fincantieri’s extensive Digital Ecosystem.
KAUST has framed this initiative as part of a larger strategy to deepen Saudi-Italian scientific collaboration, with a particular focus on maritime security and naval cybersecurity. This partnership marks a pivotal step toward enhancing local research and development capabilities in vital maritime sectors. The potential long-term impacts are considerable, especially as they pertain to the security of navigation data and the safeguarding of high-value shipping routes across the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, and other critical waterways.
With the evolving landscape of maritime threats and the growing importance of cybersecurity in navigation, this Saudi-Italian collaboration not only addresses immediate concerns but also positions both nations as leaders in the transformation of maritime security practices. As young researchers dive into these pressing issues, the outcomes could redefine how regional navies, coast guards, and port authorities operate and protect their maritime interests.
