Italian Parliament greenlights third U212NFS submarine
Italy's U212NFS is a significant evolution over the Type 212A. (Photo: Fincantieri)
Italy’s Parliament has approved the construction of the third boat under Rome’s U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme.
Fincantieri will build the future submarine under the OCCAR-managed programme.
Company CEO Pierroberto Folgiero said: ‘Within the NFS programme we are both design authority and prime contractor. The prosecution of the programme acknowledges Fincantieri’s technological and managerial leadership, in full continuity with the pillars set out in our business plan.
‘The submarine is a unique strategic and industrial asset, combining shipbuilding and its highest standards with the underwater [domain], a sector in which crucial games will be played also thanks to our vision of the future.’
Related Articles
U212 NFS continues progress with design review milestone for battery system
Royal Air Force pilots to train in Italy to address UK aircrew pipeline issues
UPDATED: France’s Naval Group hunts Indonesian and Philippine submarine deals
The first two submarines under the programme will be delivered in 2027 and 2029, respectively.
In December 2022, an amendment to the U212NFS contract was signed, exercising an option to build a third submarine.
The third boat is planned to be delivered in eight years, before the end of 2030.
An option for a fourth submarine is expected to be signed this year.
The programme represents a significant evolution compared to the Type 212A and marks an effort by Italy to reinstate sovereign production of submarines.
The future Italian submarine will carry a crew of around 29, measuring 59m long with a maximum diameter of 7m.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
U-212 Near Future Submarine (3) [Italy]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Finland’s naval sector eyes growth opportunities in NATO era]()
Finland’s naval sector eyes growth opportunities in NATO era
Finland’s naval industrial base is expanding as NATO membership, Baltic Sea security concerns and proximity to Russia push shipbuilders and equipment makers to capture new roles.
-
![Critical infrastructure protection fuels growth in maritime counter-drone market]()
Critical infrastructure protection fuels growth in maritime counter-drone market
Operational lessons are pushing navies towards counter-uncrewed aerial systems at sea, creating a fast-emerging industrial opportunity for radar and effector makers.
-
![UK DIP: Royal Navy bets on defence technology over bigger fleets]()
UK DIP: Royal Navy bets on defence technology over bigger fleets
The Royal Navy’s transition towards a hybrid fleet could prove to be less about building more hulls and more about delivering the autonomous technologies, AI and digital integration that will support future maritime operations.
