Production commences for second Italian Navy's NFS submarine.

According to a PR published by Fincantieri on June 6, 2023, production activities officially began at the Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia for the second submarine in the U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) acquisition program of the Italian Navy.
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Model of the Italian Near Future Submarine at Seafuture 2023. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The U212NFS program, led by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement), involves the construction of two submarines contracted in 2021, to be delivered in 2027 and 2029 respectively. Additionally, parliamentary approval has been granted for a third submarine, along with the establishment of a Training Center.

Distinguished guests present at the ceremony included Mr. Joachim Sucker, OCCAR Director, and Vice Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of Naval Armaments – NAVARM.

The U212NFS submarines will showcase high levels of innovation, featuring significant design modifications developed independently by Fincantieri to meet the Navy's requirements.

Her overall length is approximately 59 meters, and the height above sail is about 12 meters. She has a maximum diameter of around 7 meters. The submarine's surface displacement is roughly 1600 tons, and she has a crew capacity of around 29 members.

The program addresses the need for enhanced underwater surveillance and control capabilities, taking into consideration the evolving complexities of underwater operations and the approaching end of service life for the 4 "Sauro" class submarines currently in operation.

Moreover, it aims to further strengthen Fincantieri's strategic and innovative industrial expertise while consolidating the technological leadership of the company, its supply chain, and the Italian industries contributing to the program with technologically advanced components.

These submarines play a vital role in daily operations that benefit the community by safeguarding national interests and contributing to collective defense within important alliances such as NATO and the EU.

Their missions encompass a wide range of activities, including military operations, ensuring freedom of navigation, countering piracy, securing energy supply routes, enforcing international law, combating terrorism, defending external borders, protecting maritime infrastructure (including offshore and underwater facilities), and preserving marine ecosystems.