In 2021, ELAC SONAR was contracted to supply sonar systems for two U212 NFS. Credit: zieusin/Shutterstock.

UK-based technology group Cohort’s German subsidiary ELAC Sonar has secured a €16.4m ($16.75m) contract amendment after a pre-agreed option was activated.  

This development is part of a broader agreement involving the delivery of sonar systems for Italy’s new submarine programme.  

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Initially, in 2021, ELAC SONAR was contracted by Leonardo for more than €49m to supply sonar systems for two U212 Near Future Submarines (NFS). 

These are being produced by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy under the management of Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).  

The recent contract modification raises the total agreement value to upwards of €100m, now encompassing sonar systems for four submarines. 

The U212 NFS Program involves the development, production, and in-service support of four submarines, alongside advancements in new technologies, a ten-year support plan, and a new Training Centre.  

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It is designed to fulfil a variety of tasks, from military operations to ensuring maritime safety and security, in line with directives from the Italian Government, NATO, and the EU.  

These submarines will be equipped with combat systems, including a command management system and weapon control developed by Leonardo, with contributions from Italian industry, research, and academic sectors. 

These will feature enhancements, such as an enlarged pressure hull, a reconfigured combat information centre, tropicalisation measures, electrically operated masts, a new engineering control monitoring system, and lithium-ion battery propulsion.  

Additionally, they will be prepared for long-range deep strike cruise missiles and the deployment of the Leonardo-developed Black Shark Advanced heavyweight torpedoes, with retrofitting options for existing units. 

Cohort chief executive Andy Thomis said: “This important order is another significant win for ELAC and demonstrates its ability to meet the demanding specifications of the Italian Navy. We believe that ELAC’s Sphere digital hydroacoustic technology provides the most advanced and effective sonars available worldwide, enabling a generational leap in underwater battlespace performance. 

“Together with other recent contract wins at ELAC and across the Group, this announcement further demonstrates the visibility of our future revenues.” 

In June l2024, OCCAR, acting on behalf of the Italian Navy, announced plans to exercise a €500m option with Fincantieri for the construction of a fourth U212 NFS submarine.