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
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
