The amendment was signed in Rome on 23 July 2026 by OCCAR Director Joachim Sucker and Fulvio Palermo, Head of Project Management of Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division. OCCAR said the agreement marks another milestone for a programme central to the Italian Navy, OCCAR and Fincantieri in the underwater dimension of maritime operations.
The contract introduces advanced torpedo countermeasure systems and upgraded rescue interfaces for the U212 NFS class. OCCAR said the rescue upgrades will ensure compatibility with the latest ROV-assisted intervention procedures and the Italian Navy’s new SAVER, or Submarine Assistance, Ventilation & Rescue, system.
Fincantieri said the countermeasure systems were developed by WASS, its specialist company for advanced underwater systems. The company said the systems will be adopted for the first time aboard Italy’s national submarines, strengthening the operational capabilities of the new boats.
The amendment also expands Integrated Product Support activities across the programme. OCCAR said the broader support framework is intended to sustain the submarines through their service life and maximise operational availability.
A key change is the accelerated delivery of the fourth submarine, NFS4. Its handover has been brought forward from 2034 to 2032, supporting the Italian Navy’s objective of receiving one new submarine each year from 2029.
The new amendment comes as the programme manages construction of all four U212 NFS submarines at the same time. OCCAR said the complexity of the platform makes that a significant industrial challenge and reflects close cooperation between the Italian Navy, OCCAR and Fincantieri.
The programme is also moving through a demanding phase of onboard systems integration, especially on the first NFS submarine. The main innovations include a nationally developed lithium-ion propulsion battery and a new Combat Management System.
Fincantieri said the U212 NFS design represents a significant evolution from the U212A class. The company said the programme adds more mature design features, higher national technological content and deeper integration of onboard systems.
Those changes are intended to improve stealth, endurance, operational efficiency and cyber resilience. They also support Italy’s effort to preserve and expand national submarine know-how through Fincantieri’s role as design authority and prime contractor.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, 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, defense and technological competitiveness. The underwater sector is today one of the Group’s main growth pillars, where we have established an integrated industrial ecosystem spanning the entire value chain, from platforms and systems to advanced services.”
“Within this framework, the U212 NFS program showcases Fincantieri’s ability to integrate shipbuilding expertise, proprietary technologies and specialist know-how, drawing on the excellence developed across our companies and throughout the national industrial base. Bringing forward the delivery of the fourth submarine to 2032 demonstrates Fincantieri’s ability to translate innovation, industrial expertise and execution capability into tangible results, enabling the Italian Navy to receive one new submarine every year starting in 2029.”
Fincantieri said the initiative supports its strategy to strengthen its position in the underwater domain. The group said it now covers the full underwater value chain, combining shipbuilding, specialist systems, proprietary technologies and advanced services.
The Muggiano Integrated Shipyard has more than a century of submarine-building experience and has built more than 100 submarines. Construction of all four U212 NFS submarines is under way, with deliveries now scheduled between 2029 and 2032.
