Italian Navy Lays Keel for First U212NFS Submarine

The keel-laying ceremony for the first next-generation U212NFS submarine destined for the Italian Navy was held at the Muggiano shipyard, marking the formal start of construction under a four-submarine program managed by OCCAR.

The U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) program covers the construction of four submarines and the development of related logistic support. Delivery of the first unit is scheduled for 2029.

The U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) is a next-generation diesel-electric attack submarine built as an evolution of the Type 212A. The program aims to improve endurance, stealth, and national technological content. The submarine is about 59 meters long, displaces around 1,600 tonnes surfaced and up to 1,850 tonnes submerged, and has a crew of 29.

It features an Air Independent Propulsion system with Siemens PEM fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery system. The vessel can exceed 20 knots submerged. It is equipped with the ATHENA MK2/U combat system from Leonardo, an ELAC sonar suite, and six 533mm torpedo tubes capable of firing Black Shark Advanced torpedoes and land-attack cruise missiles. Design updates include an extended pressure hull and electric hoistable masts.