The Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has exercised an option for the fourth new-generation submarine related to the U212NFS program for the Italian Navy, which was assigned to Fincantieri.
The signing took place at the Muggiano shipyard, where the start of works on the third Near Future Submarine (NFS) submarine under construction for the Italian Navy was also celebrated with a steel-cutting ceremony.
The contract has a total value of approximately €500 million, including the related integrated logistic support and in-service support. The signing also activates all other options that complete the maintenance support for the submarines already contracted.
At the same time, a major engineering change proposal is being initiated for the industrialization in Italy, production and integration of an innovative lithium energy storage system on board all the U212NFS vessels which will replace the traditional lead-acid system currently in use. This technology will increase the submarines’ underwater range, according to Fincantieri.
The U212NFS submarines will be highly innovative, with significant design modifications that will all be developed independently by Fincantieri, who holds the role of design authority and prime contractor.
The program responds to the need to secure adequate underwater spatial surveillance and control capacity, considering the future complex scenarios of underwater operations and the fact that the end of the operational lifetime of the four Sauro-class submarines currently in service is drawing near.
The U212NFS submarines will also join the four operational U212A class submarines, including the Romei which is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance at the Muggiano shipyard.
“ We are proud to announce this further step forward in Fincantieri’s growth in the defense sector and especially in relation to innovation in the underwater domain. This project contributes to expanding our presence in the underwater sphere, a strategic area where the major challenges of the geopolitical balances and technological innovation of the future will play out. In addition to the order for the building of a new next-generation submarine, we signed the agreement for the new Lithium Battery System ,” Pierroberto Folgiero , CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented.
On a daily basis, the navy submarines are engaged in the surveillance of maritime communication routes and the underwater dimension, including within NATO and EU alliances.
It is a role that is becoming increasingly important in light of the country’s interests that reside below the surface of the sea, from seabed resources to underwater energy and communications infrastructure.