Italian Navy Orders Fourth Fincantieri U212NFS Submarine

The Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR) has exercised an option to build the fourth new-generation submarine under the U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) program for the Italian Navy.

The contract, awarded to Fincantieri, is valued at approximately €500 million, including Integrated Logistic Support and In-Service Support. This agreement also activates all remaining options for maintenance support for the previously contracted submarines.

The signing ceremony took place at the Muggiano shipyard, attended by OCCAR Director Joachim Sucker and Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division General Manager Dario Deste. The event also marked the commencement of work on the third NFS submarine for the Italian Navy, celebrated with a steel-cutting ceremony, and was attended by Vice Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of Naval Armaments.

Concurrently, a major Engineering Change Proposal is underway to industrialize, produce, and integrate a lithium energy storage system (Lithium Battery System) on all U212NFS vessels. This new system will replace the traditional lead-acid batteries, enhancing the submarines’ underwater range.

The U212NFS submarines are set to feature design modifications, all developed independently by Fincantieri, which serves as the Design Authority and Prime Contractor. This initiative addresses the need for advanced underwater spatial surveillance and control capabilities, particularly as the operational lifetime of the current “Sauro” class submarines nears its end. The new U212NFS submarines will join the four operational U212A class submarines, including the Romei, which is currently undergoing maintenance at the Muggiano shipyard.