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 €500 million submarine, the fourth and final of the U212 NFS programme, will be built by Fincantieri at its Muggiano shipyard as work on the third NFS unit was also marked by a steel-cutting ceremony.
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
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition]()
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
-
![Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?]()
Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?
As the Iran War draws US ships and marine corps units away from the Indo-Pacific, curtailed exercises and a temporary carrier gap are exposing tensions between Washington’s demand for more self-reliant allies and the joint training needed to realise that ambition.
-
![How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?]()
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
