The U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme is an initiative designed for the Italian Navy to carry out various missions.
The programme encompasses the development, production, and in-service support of up to four submarines. It is managed by the Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation en matiere d’Armement (OCCAR), the international organisation for joint armament cooperation.
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Shipbuilding company Fincantieri is the prime contractor for the project.
OCCAR announced the completion of the critical design review (CDR) for the U212 NFS programme in February 2021. Construction of the first vessel designated as U212 NFS NR.1 began in January 2022, followed by the second vessel, U212 NFS NR.2, in June 2023.
The construction of the third submarine, U212 NFS NR.3, received parliamentary approval in May 2023. The steel-cutting ceremony for the third submarine took place in June 2024.
OCCAR exercised an option to build the fourth U212 NFS submarine, U212 NFS NR.4, during the same month. The vessels will be delivered in 2027, 2029, 2030, and 2032, respectively.
U212 NFS submarine design and features
The U212 NFS submarine will have an overall length of approximately 59m, a height above the sail of 12m, and a maximum diameter of 7m.
The vessels will have a surface displacement of 1,600t and will accommodate a crew of 29. They will feature a new-generation combat system, incorporating a command management system and weapon control systems.
The submarines will also feature an extended pressure hull, a redesigned combat information centre (CIC) to accommodate additional consoles and tropicalisation for operational capability in seawater and high temperatures.
In addition, they will include electric hoistable masts designed to replace the hydraulic ones, a new engineering control monitoring system, and lithium-ion batteries for the propulsion system.
U212 NFS development details
The U212 NFS programme was launched in response to the increasingly complex future scenarios of underwater operations and the approaching end of service life for the four Sauro-class submarines currently in use by the Italian Navy.
The project builds upon the U212A programme, which was a collaboration between Fincantieri and Germany’s thyssenkrupp Marine Systems leading to the production of the Todaro-class submarines.
The future development of the programme includes a provision of an additional €160m ($178.8m) for further activities or the enhancement of specific capabilities as required by the Italian Navy.
Simultaneously, an engineering change proposal is being launched for the industrialisation, production, and integration of an advanced lithium energy storage system on all U212 NFS vessels.
In July 2024, the state-of-the-art Power4Future facility was officially opened, featuring a new production line for lithium battery systems intended for the NFS programme. These systems can also be used to equip and upgrade older U212A-class submarines and other underwater platforms that utilise air-independent propulsion.
U212 NFS submarine capabilities
The new U212 NFS submarines are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including military operations, ensuring freedom of navigation, anti-piracy efforts, protection of energy supply routes, and observance of international law.
Additionally, they will be responsible for counterterrorism, defence of external borders, safeguarding maritime infrastructure, and preserving marine ecosystems.
Weapon systems of U212
The U212 NFS submarines will be equipped to deploy long-range deep-strike cruise missiles.
They will also deploy aerospace company Leonardo’s Black Shark advanced heavyweight torpedoes.
Command and control capabilities of U212 NFS submarines
The U212 NFS submarines will feature Leonardo’s ATHENA MK2/U combat management system (CMS).
The ATHENA MK2/U system provides core capabilities such as tactical scenario management, sensor adaptation for sonar systems, situational awareness, interoperability, and data recording and analysis.
Contractors involved
In February 2021, Fincantieri and OCCAR announced the signing of a contract for the construction of the first two U212 NFS submarines. The contract value for the first two vessels, including logistics support, is €1.35bn ($1.64bn). It also included an option for two additional units.
The €500m contract option exercised by OCCAR for the fourth vessel in June 2024 includes integrated logistic support and in-service support. Additionally, the agreement activates all other options necessary to complete the maintenance support for the submarines already under contract.
In February 2021, Leonardo secured a €150m ($182.8m) contract with Fincantieri to design and develop a next-generation CMS for the submarines, as part of the Italian Navy’s “Naval Law” modernisation programme.
Leonardo awarded a €49m ($57.87m) contract to ELAC SONAR, a hydroacoustic systems supplier, to deliver sonar systems for the first two submarines in July 2021. The contract included options for two more U212 NFS submarines.
Leonardo exercised its option and awarded a €16m ($17.55m) contract in December 2023 for the supply of sonar systems for the third submarine.
FIB, a subsidiary of Seri Industrial, signed a contract with Fincantieri in August 2021 to design, develop, and certify prototype cells and modules for lithium-iron-phosphate batteries intended for the electric drive of U212 NFS submarines.
Electronic warfare specialist Elettronica was awarded a contract by Fincantieri in November 2021 to supply electronic warfare suites for the first two submarines.
