Next-generation Italian submarine project passes system design review
Rendering of the U212 NFS. (Image: OCCAR)
The U212 NFS programme will be a ‘catalyst for enhanced international skills technologies amongst EU and non-EU countries’, says OCCAR.
The U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS) programme for the Italian Navy has passed another milestone with delivery of the system design review (SDR) on 22 February.
This followed the start of construction activities by Fincantieri on 11 January.
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 56m Todaro-class Type 212A boats in service with the Italian Navy, and they will feature new lithium-ion batteries instead of lead-acid batteries.
Describing the SDR as ‘very demanding activity’, OCCAR described the NFS programme as a ‘catalyst for enhanced international skills technologies amongst EU and non-EU countries’.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![New Zealand's HMNZS Te Mana successfully fires first Sea Ceptor missile]()
New Zealand's HMNZS Te Mana successfully fires first Sea Ceptor missile
CMS 330 is a combat management system developed by Lockheed Martin Canada that serves as the backbone for several Canadian and Chilean ship classes and has been installed on RNZN Anzac-class frigates.
-
![Turkey’s ASFAT on track to deliver first Hisar OPV in 2024]()
Turkey’s ASFAT on track to deliver first Hisar OPV in 2024
While outfitting activities on the first two Hisar-class OPVs have been advancing at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, discussions for additional platforms continue.
-
![Babcock wins UK Royal Navy’s Dreadnought support contracts]()
Babcock wins UK Royal Navy’s Dreadnought support contracts
Babcock has won contracts worth more than £120 million to support the development and delivery of the Dreadnought-class submarines for the UK’s Royal Navy.
-
![Make or break: Can the European Patrol Corvette programme save shipbuilding in Europe?]()
Make or break: Can the European Patrol Corvette programme save shipbuilding in Europe?
With funding from the European Defence Fund and partner countries, the European Patrol Corvette programme has an opportunity to become the standard bearer for defence procurement and potentially offer a route forward for naval shipbuilding in Europe.
-
![Portugal contracts Damen for multi-purpose vessel designed for integrated uncrewed air and sea systems]()
Portugal contracts Damen for multi-purpose vessel designed for integrated uncrewed air and sea systems
The new ship’s primary roles will be search and rescue, emergency relief and oceanic research but will also be used for naval support operations and maritime safety.
