The Italian Navy is set to receive new U212 Near Future Submarines (NFS) ahead of schedule following a €317m ($361m) contract amendment signed between Fincantieri and the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR).
The new agreement will bring forward the delivery of the programme’s fourth submarine by two years to 2032, enabling the Navy to take delivery of one new vessel every year from 2029.
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Signed on 23 July by OCCAR-EA director Joachim Sucker and Fincantieri’s naval vessels division, project management head Fulvio Palermo, the updated contract accelerates the timeline for the four next-generation submarines currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Muggiano Integrated Shipyard.
Construction of all four boats is underway, with keel for the first submarine laid in February this year.
The amendment also expands Fincantieri’s responsibilities under the U212 NFS programme, which now includes fitting the submarines with advanced countermeasure systems developed by WASS, Fincantieri’s subsidiary specialising in underwater technology.
According to the company, this marks the first time these countermeasures will be deployed on Italy’s national submarine fleet.
Fincantieri will also provide enhanced logistical support services intended to boost the long-term operational readiness and efficiency of the submarines.
Fincantieri CEO and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero said: “This agreement confirms Fincantieri’s central role in developing Italy’s underwater capabilities and further strengthens our positioning in a strategic domain for national security, defence and technological competitiveness.”
The U212 NFS submarines are expected to represent a significant technological leap from the earlier U212A-class units.
Fincantieri stated the new submarines will feature a higher proportion of domestically produced technology. These vessels will also include upgrades such as lithium-ion propulsion batteries and an advanced combat management system, with the aim of improving stealth, endurance, efficiency, and cyber resilience.
The contract amendment forms part of OCCAR’s management of the programme on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Defence, in cooperation with industrial partners.
Fincantieri noted that both the programme itself and the accelerated delivery schedule contribute to supporting Italy’s national industrial base and maintaining skills at the historic Muggiano shipyard, which has built more than 100 submarines over the past century.
The U212 NFS programme is intended to represent a step change from previous U212A-class submarines.
According to Fincantieri, the new boats will feature upgraded onboard systems, a higher level of domestically sourced technology, and innovations such as lithium-ion propulsion batteries and an advanced combat management system.
These enhancements are aimed at improving stealth, endurance, operational efficiency, and resilience against cyber threats.
Fincantieri also noted that the work supports its broader strategy of expanding its presence in the underwater sector and preserving vital industrial know-how within Italy.
The Muggiano site, which has produced more than 100 submarines over the past century, remains the focal point for the programme.
The U212 NFS project is managed by OCCAR on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Defence, in coordination with industry partners.
