On June 28th, the Italian company Fincantieri received a new order from the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) to commence construction of the fourth U212NFS submarine, destined for the Italian Navy. The contract, valued at approximately 500 million euros, includes a comprehensive set of spare parts and technical support from the company, covering this submarine and the three previously acquired ones.
The signing of this purchase took place during the steel-cutting ceremony for the third submarine in the series at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Muggiano. Present at the ceremony were Joachim Sucker, Director of OCCAR, and Dario Deste, CEO of Fincantieri’s Naval Vessel Division. Representing the Italian Navy was Vice Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of Naval Armaments.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, remarked: “We are proud to announce this further step in Fincantieri’s growth in the defense sector, particularly in submarine innovation. This project expands our presence in the submarine domain, a strategic area for major geopolitical challenges and future technological innovation. In addition to the order for a new next-generation submarine, we have also signed an agreement for a new lithium battery system. This system represents a groundbreaking innovation in submarine propulsion systems and underscores Fincantieri’s and the Italian Navy’s commitment to developing and industrializing cutting-edge international submarine technologies.”
Regarding the characteristics of the future U212NFS submarines, the manufacturer highlights their extended pressure hull, modern Combat Information Center (CIC) capable of integrating a greater number of consoles than the original U212 model, and efforts to equip them with a lithium energy storage system to significantly enhance their range. These submarines also boast considerable armament capabilities, capable of launching long-range cruise missiles and Leonardo National Black Shark Advanced torpedoes.
Lastly, it’s noteworthy that the new U212NFS class is set to replace the Sauro-class submarines currently operated by the Italian Navy since the 1980s. Italy currently operates four Sauro-class submarines alongside the Todaro-class submarines, with the first unit entering active service in 2005.
The Sauro-class submarines have an approximate length of 65 meters, a beam of 6.8 meters, and a submerged endurance of up to 45 days, capable of speeds up to 19 knots. They are equipped with heavy torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, making them an attractive option for allied navies with budgetary constraints.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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