The new amendment introduces further enhancements to the U212NFS submarines being developed for the Italian Navy, known as the Marina Militare. These modifications are aimed at ensuring the vessels remain among the most technologically advanced in their class.
The amendment includes upgrades to the submarines’ periscope systems and advances a feasibility study for a Special Operations Submarine, which will serve as a technology incubator under the NFS programme. In addition, minor engineering changes will optimise on-board system integration and improve the overall performance of the submarines.
“These Engineering Change Proposals will not only improve operational effectiveness, but also enable future capability development in the underwater domain,” said Programme Manager Decio Trinca. Mr Dario Oliveri added: “With this new step, we further consolidate the long-standing cooperation between Fincantieri and OCCAR, ensuring Italian submarines remain at the technological forefront.”
The U212NFS project is a continuation of the U212A programme, carried out in cooperation with the German shipbuilding group thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH. Under the U212A programme, four submarines were delivered to Italy: Salvatore Todaro (S 526), Scirè (S 527), Pietro Venuti (S 528), and Romeo Romei (S 529), built by Fincantieri in two batches between 2006–2007 and 2016–2017.
On 26 February 2021, OCCAR and Fincantieri signed the main contract for two U212NFS submarines, with an option for two additional units. The total value of the initial contract, including logistical support, amounts to €1.35 billion (net).
In total, the Marina Militare is set to receive four U212NFS submarines. These vessels will gradually replace the last four ageing units of the Nazario Sauro-class (Series III and IV), which are considered no longer viable for future operations.
Alongside the new builds, Italy is also upgrading its older U212A submarines. A Mid Life Update (MLU) programme for Salvatore Todaro and Scirè, the first two boats of the class, was included in Amendment No. 6 to the U212NFS contract.
