Through a brief statement published on its official social media channels, the Italian company Fincantieri announced that the keel-laying ceremony for the first new Type 212 NFS attack submarine built for the Italian Navy has taken place, with delivery scheduled for 2029. According to the information released by the company, the event took place at the Muggiano shipyard and represented an important step toward the formation of a fleet that will consist of a total of four vessels, acquired through the Joint Organisation for Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).
Regarding this event, the manufacturer stated: “The U212NFS submarine class represents a substantial evolution compared to its U212A predecessors (…) We are proud to leverage our experience in the U212NFS program, which decisively contributes to preserving and enhancing national industrial knowledge, consolidating the technological advantage of Fincantieri and the entire Italian supply chain, and reaffirming our commitment to a more innovative future and safer seas.”
It is worth noting that Fincantieri celebrated in October the successful completion of the so-called Critical Design Review (CDR) for its new lithium-ion battery system, which will equip the Type 212 NFS. These batteries are designed to replace the lead-acid batteries currently used in European submarines. This is one of the main innovations incorporated into these platforms, providing not only a more efficient energy system but also one with a lower environmental impact in line with EU policies on the matter.
In line with this, a wide range of improvements in sensors and combat systems are also planned. This includes a significant upgrade of periscope capabilities, as well as various changes to the submarine’s engineering to facilitate the integration of systems with enhanced capabilities. Furthermore, as part of a broader trend in new submarine designs, the Type 212 NFS will feature an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system to extend its submerged endurance and stealth.
Finally, it is useful to recall that the construction of this new Type 212 NFS submarine fleet is primarily intended to provide a replacement for the now-aging Sauro-class submarines currently in service with the Italian Navy, which were developed by Fincantieri and commissioned during the 1980s. The four new vessels will complement the Todaro-class fleet, as the U212A models are known in Italy, whose first unit entered active service in 2005.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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