OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker attended the event alongside U212 NFS Programme Manager Maurizio Cannarozzo. The two met with senior industry representatives, including Christian Rogge, Head of the Submarine Operating Unit at tkMS, to discuss technological advancements and the progress of the U212 NFS programme.
As part of the visit, Sucker toured the tkMS production facilities, where key components of the U212 NFS, including bow caps and torpedo tubes for the first submarine (NFS1), are under construction. He also visited ELAC Sonar, the company responsible for developing the Kaleidoscope 2.0 sonar system for the NFS submarines. These visits confirmed the advanced stage of the project and highlighted the critical importance of state-of-the-art sonar technology in modern submarine operations.
Sucker’s presence at SubCon 2024 underscores OCCAR’s ongoing commitment to managing complex defence programmes and fostering international collaboration. The U212 NFS programme is a top priority for OCCAR, which aims to deliver cutting-edge technology and operational capability to its member states.
Italy’s ambitious submarine programme
The U212 NFS programme, which is Italy’s most innovative submarine project, is managed by OCCAR at the request of the Italian government. Drawing on more than 20 years of programme management expertise, OCCAR has earned a reputation for delivering defence capabilities that meet the high standards required by its participating states.
The programme, designed to enhance Italy’s underwater surveillance and operational capabilities, addresses the growing complexities of underwater warfare. The U212 NFS submarines will perform a range of tasks, from military operations and safeguarding energy supply routes to anti-piracy missions and defending vital maritime infrastructure. These operations will benefit not only Italy but also its NATO and EU allies.
Technological innovations and capabilities
The U212 NFS submarines incorporate a range of cutting-edge technologies. Building on the experience of the existing U212A class, the new submarines will feature an extended pressure hull, redesigned combat information centres, and tropicalisation capabilities, enabling them to operate in warmer seawaters. The platform will also include electric hoistable masts, a new engineering control monitoring system, and lithium-ion batteries for enhanced propulsion.
Advanced weaponry forms another key aspect of the U212 NFS submarines. The vessels will be equipped to deploy long-range deep-strike cruise missiles and Leonardo’s Black Shark Advanced torpedoes. These systems are being designed to allow retrofitting onto older U212A units, further boosting Italy’s maritime capabilities.
A strategic and industrial milestone
The U212 NFS programme also aims to strengthen Italy’s strategic industrial and technological base. It is expected to consolidate technological advancements in a variety of sectors, including mechanics, energy, and sensors, while fostering industrial know-how and research and development.
The programme includes the production and in-service support of four submarines (three with an option for a fourth), alongside the establishment of a new training centre. A 10-year in-service support period is also covered under the programme contract. Additionally, the submarines could feature emerging technologies, such as a new fuel cell system, ensuring the U212 NFS remains at the forefront of underwater defence innovation.
![Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters successfully test new Sea Venom anti-ship missile [VIDEO]](https://defence-industry.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Royal-Navy-Wildcat-helicopters-successfully-test-new-Sea-Venom-anti-ship-missile-VIDEO.jpg)
