Fincantieri accelerates delivery of Italy's U212 NFS submarines to 2032

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri signed an eighth contract amendment with the European defence cooperation body OCCAR for the U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme. The amendment, valued at about €317 million, expands the scope of work to include new counter‑measure systems developed by Fincantieri’s WASS unit and strengthens logistical support for the four next‑generation submarines being built for the Italian Navy at the Muggiano shipyard.

The key change is a two‑year acceleration of the fourth submarine’s delivery, moving the target from 2034 to 2032. This enables a schedule of one submarine per year from 2029 through 2032. Technical details note a 59‑metre hull, 1,600‑ton submerged displacement and an advanced air‑independent propulsion system that combines fuel‑cell technology with domestic lithium‑ion batteries, extending underwater endurance.

The agreement underlines Fincantieri’s intent to maintain the full lifecycle of the vessels, integrating higher‑tech national components and ensuring long‑term operational availability for the Marina Militare.