Italian future submarine programme takes a step forward
Initial components of the first U212NFS submarine, pictured on 11 January. (Photo: Fincantieri)
Construction is underway of the first U212NFS submarine for the Italian Navy.
The U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS) programme for the Italian Navy passed a milestone on 11 January when Fincantieri began production of the first boat at the Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia.
The U212 NFS constitutes a radical evolution compared to the U-212A and marks the return of Italy to sovereign production of submarines, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
In February 2021, Fincantieri and OCCAR signed a €1.35 billion ($1.63 billion) contract to build two U212NFS diesel-electric submarines (plus two more boats on option) with deliveries scheduled for late 2027 and early 2029.
The U212 NFS will be slightly longer than the Todaro-class Type 212A boats in service with the Italian Navy, and they will feature new lithium-ion batteries instead of lead-acid batteries.
Other notable features include air independent propulsion and a Leonardo-developed combat management system.
The new submarines are designed to be integrated within the Italian Carrier Strike Group for force projection duties and to carry out intelligence, ISR and special operations.
Each boat will be capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles (possibly Teseo MK2/E, Tomahawk or Scalp Naval) and Black Shark Advanced heavy torpedoes.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
U-212 Near Future Submarine (4) [Italy]
U-212 Near Future Submarine (1-2) [Italy]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![MBDA-led DragonFire’s latest trials move the LDEW system closer to UK Navy integration]()
MBDA-led DragonFire’s latest trials move the LDEW system closer to UK Navy integration
The DragonFire lines up with other European laser-directed energy weapons being developed in collaboration with MBDA.
-
![US Coast Guard pursues solutions to increase maritime domain dominance]()
US Coast Guard pursues solutions to increase maritime domain dominance
The USCG is seeking technologies, services and applications to better connect its assets and speed up the decision-making process.
-
![Canadian Coast Guard’s OOSV delivery is “major milestone” in fleet modernisation]()
Canadian Coast Guard’s OOSV delivery is “major milestone” in fleet modernisation
The Polar Class 6 platform is the largest CCG science-dedicated vessel and will operate on the country’s east coast.
-
![How the Anduril-HHI autonomous ship plan fits in with the US Navy’s MASC programme]()
How the Anduril-HHI autonomous ship plan fits in with the US Navy’s MASC programme
The new modular vessel is expected to be developed for both commercial and defence use, with a heavy focus on production speed and mission flexibility.
-
![Indo Pacific 2025: Autonomous systems reigned but can the Australian Defence Force afford it?]()
Indo Pacific 2025: Autonomous systems reigned but can the Australian Defence Force afford it?
Multiple autonomous systems and technologies were on display at this year’s Indo Pacific, but questions remain over how the Australian Department of Defence will balance the books.
-
![How the UK Royal Navy is powering up its hybrid fleet to combat new threats]()
How the UK Royal Navy is powering up its hybrid fleet to combat new threats
Since it announced its move towards a new “hybrid navy” earlier this year, the force has announced a number of new uncrewed technologies in the works.
