Fincantieri Unveils Cutting-Edge Submarines for the Italian Navy’s Future
Today, Fincantieri, a prominent leader in global shipbuilding and a key player in the naval construction sector, alongside OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation en matière d’Armement, the international body for collaborative armament efforts), will finalize a contract for the fabrication of 2 innovative submarines. This agreement, where Fincantieri will serve as the primary contractor, includes an option for an additional 2 units and is integral to the new U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) procurement initiative of the Italian Navy.
The overall contract worth for the initial pair of submarines, which encompasses necessary logistical support, totals 1.35 billion euros.
This initiative represents an advancement of the U212A program, executed in collaboration with the German company thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, which led to the assembly of 4 submarines for Italy – “Todaro,” “Scirè,” “Venuti,” and “Romei,” delivered by Fincantieri between 2006 and 2017 – as well as 6 for Germany. According to credible assessments, the technological sophistication of these air-independent propulsion submarines prompted a shift in the equilibrium between nuclear and conventional vessels in the postwar era.
With the first two deliveries slated for 2027 and 2029, the U212NFS program arises from the necessity to ensure sufficient underwater spatial monitoring and control capabilities, taking into account the upcoming intricate scenarios of underwater missions and the impending operational end of the 4 “Sauro” class submarines, which are currently in service. It also aspires to sustain and enhance Fincantieri’s strategic and innovative industrial expertise, while solidifying the technological advantage achieved by the company and its supply chain, thus increasing the presence of technologically-advanced components crafted by Italian industries on board.
Our national submarines perform various essential roles for the benefit of society each day, addressing requirements from the Government or the Nation’s primary Alliances, NATO and the EU. These roles span from purely military operations to missions related to freedom of navigation, anti-piracy efforts, safeguarding energy supply routes (due to underwater resources or infrastructure), adherence to international law, counter-terrorism, border security, and protection of maritime assets, including critical offshore and underwater infrastructure, as well as the detection of whales.
Fincantieri’s CEO, Giuseppe Bono, remarked: “We take pride in the acknowledgment of our expertise by the Italian Navy and our German collaborator, which has facilitated a transformation in our relations, assuring – on one side – our position as the design authority, while also being the primary contractor. We are set to make a significant technological advancement compared to previous class submarines, commencing with the design and combat system developed in partnership with Leonardo, which we are responsible for integrating on-board. This will enable Italy to remain a key player among the select group of countries capable of constructing such sophisticated vessels.” Bono further stated: “Once again, a qualified supply chain, composed of small and medium enterprises in the sector, will gain from the momentum triggered by our initiatives, which will subsequently lead to noticeable economic growth in terms of GDP, job creation, and advancements in research and development.”
