Italy’s Fincantieri, Germany’s thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) will supply U212NFS Submarine to Philippines: Rome, Italy and Kiel, Germany – In a move poised to significantly reshape the naval landscape of Southeast Asia, European shipbuilding powerhouses Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) have announced a strategic industrial collaboration aimed at providing the Philippines Navy with state-of-the-art U212 NFS submarines. The alliance, formalized through an Industrial Collaboration Agreement, directly addresses the Philippines’ Horizon III military modernization initiative and underscores a commitment to strengthening regional defense and fostering long-term industrial cooperation.
The Philippines Navy has identified the acquisition of advanced weapon systems, particularly submarines, as a critical component of its modernization efforts. This strategic imperative is driven by the need to enhance the defense of its extensive archipelago and safeguard its territorial waters, especially within the complex geopolitical environment of the South China Sea. The introduction of a submarine fleet would represent a paradigm shift for the Philippines, offering a potent and largely undetectable means of maritime security and deterrence.
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The newly forged partnership between Italy’s Fincantieri and Germany’s TKMS leverages the unique strengths and cutting-edge technologies of both companies. Their combined expertise will focus on delivering the U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) class, an advanced evolution of the U212A submarines currently under construction by Fincantieri in Italy for the Italian Navy. This collaboration unites Fincantieri’s extensive experience in submarine construction, honed over decades, with TKMS’s globally recognized leadership in submarine technology and key component provision.
Fincantieri’s U212 Near Future Submarine
The U212 NFS represents a significant leap forward in submarine design. Building upon the proven success of the HDW-class U212A, the NFS variant boasts exceptionally low acoustic, magnetic, and visual signatures, rendering it remarkably stealthy. This inherent undetectability, coupled with its adherence to the highest quality standards and stringent regulatory requirements, positions the U212 NFS as a formidable asset for any modern navy.
A crucial technological advantage lies in its integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), a technology pioneered in the U212A, which allows for extended underwater operations without the need to surface and expose itself. Furthermore, the utilization of Amanox amagnetic steel, alongside other advanced stealth technologies, makes the U212 NFS virtually untraceable.
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Italian Navy’s Todaro submarine.
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The collaboration between the Italian and German naval industries in the realm of U212A submarines dates back to 1996, establishing a strong foundation of trust and shared expertise. Recognizing the potential for broader impact, Fincantieri and TKMS have now extended this successful partnership to encompass potential joint export projects, with the Philippines emerging as a key initial focus.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Managing Director and General Manager of Fincantieri, emphasized the strategic significance of this alliance: “For over ten years of experience in the construction of submarines, Fincantieri has developed a solid expertise in providing high-performance naval solutions. This collaboration represents a fundamental step in promoting our international strategy, leveraging the state-of-the-art technologies of the latest generation and the qualities that distinguish Italy and Germany.”
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Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, echoed this sentiment, stating: “On the basis of our fruitful collaboration in the Italian submarines programme, this industrial collaboration agreement is an excellent starting point for further common projects in the underwater sector.”
Beyond the provision of advanced submarines, the Fincantieri-TKMS offer includes a comprehensive operational support package provided by the Italian Navy. This crucial element will grant the Filipino Navy an unprecedented level of training, encompassing operational doctrine and logistical frameworks. The package further encompasses specialized industrial and operational training activities, ensuring that the Philippines Navy can rapidly develop well-structured and highly qualified crews to effectively operate and maintain the new submarine fleet.
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Moreover, the strategic partnership extends beyond the immediate acquisition of submarines. Within the framework of the Philippines’ “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act,” Fincantieri and TKMS will actively support the Filipino Navy in the development of a new naval base. This crucial infrastructure development will be facilitated by the design know-how of both companies, drawing upon their extensive experience in shipbuilding and their long-standing collaborations with navies worldwide.
This landmark collaboration between Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems marks a significant milestone in the Philippines’ naval modernization journey. By providing cutting-edge submarine technology, comprehensive training, and support for infrastructure development, the alliance promises to significantly enhance the Philippines’ maritime security capabilities, contribute to regional stability, and foster enduring industrial cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia. The U212 NFS submarines are poised to become a cornerstone of the Philippines Navy, providing a crucial strategic advantage in safeguarding its territorial integrity and projecting its maritime power.
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