ROME — Fincantieri and the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) have signed the eighth contract amendment for Italy’s U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS) programme, introducing new technological upgrades, expanding long-term support activities, and accelerating the delivery schedule for the Italian Navy’s next-generation submarines.
The agreement, valued at approximately €317 million, was signed in Rome on July 23, 2026, by OCCAR Director Joachim Sucker and Fulvio Palermo, Head of Project Management for Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division. The contract covers the four U212 NFS submarines currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Muggiano Integrated Shipyard in La Spezia.
Fourth Submarine Delivery Moved to 2032
One of the key changes under the amendment is the revised delivery schedule for the programme’s fourth submarine, NFS4. Originally planned for delivery in 2034, the submarine is now scheduled to be handed over in 2032, two years earlier than previously planned.
According to OCCAR, the revised schedule supports the Italian Navy’s objective of receiving one new U212 NFS submarine each year beginning in 2029.
Construction of all four submarines is currently underway simultaneously at the Muggiano shipyard. OCCAR described the parallel construction of four complex submarines as a major industrial undertaking requiring close cooperation between the Italian Navy, OCCAR, and Fincantieri.
New Technologies and System Upgrades
The contract amendment introduces several new capabilities for the U212 NFS class.
Among the main additions are advanced torpedo countermeasure systems developed by WASS, Fincantieri’s specialist company for underwater systems. These systems will be installed on Italian Navy submarines for the first time.
The agreement also includes upgraded rescue interfaces designed to ensure compatibility with modern Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) intervention procedures and the Italian Navy’s SAVER (Submarine Assistance, Ventilation & Rescue) system.
The programme is also progressing through a complex phase of onboard systems integration, particularly on the first U212 NFS submarine. Key technologies being integrated include a domestically developed lithium-ion propulsion battery system and a new-generation Combat Management System.
According to Fincantieri, these technologies are intended to improve the submarines’ acoustic stealth, operational endurance, overall efficiency, and cyber resilience compared with the previous U212A class.
Expanded Lifecycle Support
In addition to construction and technology upgrades, the amendment expands Integrated Product Support (IPS) activities assigned to Fincantieri.
The expanded support framework is intended to provide logistical and technical support throughout the submarines’ service life, helping maintain operational availability and efficiency for the Italian Navy.
Programme Continues Between 2029 and 2032
With the latest amendment, deliveries of the four U212 NFS submarines are scheduled between 2029 and 2032.
The U212 NFS programme builds on the earlier U212A submarines while introducing increased national technological content and improved system integration. According to Fincantieri, the programme is part of its broader strategy in the underwater sector, covering platform design, proprietary technologies, specialist systems, and advanced services.
Fincantieri’s Muggiano Integrated Shipyard, which has built more than 100 submarines over more than a century of shipbuilding, remains the production site for the programme.
Fincantieri CEO Highlights Programme
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said the agreement reinforces the company’s role in developing Italy’s underwater capabilities and strengthens its position in the strategic underwater sector.
He said the U212 NFS programme demonstrates Fincantieri’s ability to combine shipbuilding expertise, proprietary technologies, and specialist know-how. Folgiero added that advancing the delivery of the fourth submarine to 2032 reflects the company’s ability to translate innovation into operational results while supporting the Italian Navy’s plan to receive a new submarine every year starting in 2029.
Source : fincantieri
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