Italian Navy’s U212 NFS Near Future Submarine: The International Arms Cooperation Organization (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement or OCCAR) has exercised the option for the construction of the third next-generation submarine related to the U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme for the Italian Navy to the domestic shipbuilder Fincantieri. The order has a value of over 500 million euros, including its integrated logistic support, and the third U212NFS submarine will be delivered to Italian Navy in 2030.
The future development of the programme also includes an additional EUR 160 million for future additional activities or supplies of specific additional capacities required by the Navy.
Fincantieri said the U212NFS submarines will be highly innovative, with significant design changes all developed independently by the company, who plays the role of Design Authority, in accordance with the requirements of the Italian Navy.
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“The programme responds to the need to ensure adequate surveillance and control capabilities of underwater spaces, given the complex operational scenarios that will characterize the future of operations in the underwater sector and the approach of the end of the operational life of the 4 units of the Sauro class currently in service,” Fincantieri said in a statement sent to Defence Star.
Fincantieri’s U212 Near Future Submarine for Italian Navy.
The Italian shipbuilding company said the order also serves to preserve and increase the strategic and innovative industrial know-how gained by Fincantieri.
“It will also consolidate the technological advantage achieved by the company and the supply chain, major industrial and small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector, because the presence will be enhanced on board components developed by the national industry,” it said.
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Submarines for national security
The tasks that submarines carry out in favour of the community are many. Daily, the submarines of the Military Navy are engaged in surveillance of maritime communication routes and underwater dimension, including in the context of NATO and EU alliances.
A role that assumes increasing importance in the light of the interests of the country residing under the surface of the sea, from the resources of the seabed to energy and communication infrastructure, said the Italian shipbuilder.
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