The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), a leading research and innovation centre for the blue economy, and FLANQ, a German-based maritime defence solutions provider, announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and deployment of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for maritime security and defence missions across the Mediterranean.
The cooperation will focus on enhancing operational readiness in contested waters through advanced autonomous technologies. The partners will explore joint solutions that leverage FLANQ’s autonomous surface platforms and CMMI’s maritime research expertise to deliver next-generation mission capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) protection, environmental monitoring, and precision strike.
At the heart of this MoU is a shared commitment to accelerating the transition of autonomous surface vessel concepts into operational reality, tailored to the unique challenges of the Mediterranean theatre. Through joint research, trials, and system integration, FLANQ and CMMI will drive innovations that ensure persistent, scalable, and mission-adaptable maritime security solutions.
Daniel Esser, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at FLANQ, said: “The Mediterranean remains one of the most dynamic and strategically vital regions in the world. By joining forces with CMMI, we can deliver autonomous maritime capabilities that combine scientific excellence with operational agility—strengthening security, resilience, and situational awareness for Cyprus and her regional partners.”
Zacharias Siokouros, CMMI’s Chief Executive Officer added: “This MoU represents a significant milestone for CMMI and for Cyprus. Partnering with FLANQ allows us to bridge cutting-edge maritime science with real-world defence applications, supporting both regional stability and sustainable ocean stewardship.”
About FLANQ
Headquartered in Germany, FLANQ delivers integrated maritime defence solutions, with a focus on autonomous surface platforms, sensor fusion, and rapidly deployed critical infrastructure security systems.
About CMMI
The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) was established in April 2019 in Larnaca, with EU and National Funding, as a Centre of Excellence in research, technology development, and innovation. Driven by the needs of industry and society, CMMI is focused on transforming the marine and maritime sectors and on providing some of the urgent solutions required to the global challenges.
Media Contacts:
CMMI Press office
Email: press@cmmi.blue
Tel: +357 24 506155
Website: www.cmmi.blue
FLANQ Media Relations
David Brown
Tel: +44 7774 178736
