Final NFS submarine for Italian Navy’s U212 NFS programme to be built
The latest design for the U212 NFS programme features a lithium battery energy storage system. (Image Fincantieri)
The building of a fourth new-generation submarine for the Italian Navy has been announced by contractor Fincantieri. The unit, which has a value of €500 million ($535.6 million), will form the final part of the U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme.
The announcement was made after the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) exercised an option for the building work, assigned to Fincantieri, to commence.
The signing took place at Muggiano shipyard where work on the third NFS submarine for the Italian Navy has also got underway following a steel-cutting ceremony.
The new submarine will include integrated logistic support and in-service support, with the deal activating all other options for maintenance support for the submarines already contracted.
According to Fincantieri, the project will see the integration of a lithium battery energy storage system, which will replace the traditional lead-based system and will feature design advancements that “fulfil the Italian Navy’s surveillance and control needs”.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri, said: “This project contributes to expanding our presence in the underwater sphere, a strategic area where the major challenges of the geopolitical balances and technological innovation of the future will play out.”
According to Shephard Defence Insight, $1.6 billion worth of funding for the U212 NFS programme was made available for the first two NFS after Italy signed a contract for the first pair in February 2021, with an option included for two more boats from Fincantieri.
As reported by Shephard, the steel for the second sub in the class was cut in June 2023, as the Italian Navy continued to replace its four ageing Sauro-class vessels.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
U-212 Near Future Submarine (4) [Italy]
U-212 Near Future Submarine (3) [Italy]
U-212 Near Future Submarine (1-2) [Italy]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.