New upgrades for U212 NFS submarines approved under latest contract amendment

July 9, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

U212 NFS Program Manager Decio Trinca and Dario Oliveri, Fincantieri Vice President Italy Naval Project Development, have signed an amendment no. 7 to the U212 NFS contract, marking another major step forward in strengthening Italy’s next-generation underwater fleet.

The amendment introduces a set of upgrades, including the enhancement of periscope capabilities, progress in the feasibility study for a special operations submarine, as an NFS technology incubator, and minor engineering changes aimed at optimizing onboard systems integration and overall performance.

OCCAR noted that these Engineering Change Proposals are expected to strengthen the submarines’ operational performance and also lay the groundwork for future capability developments in the underwater domain.

The U212 NFS Program covers the development, production and In in-service support for four submarines (3 plus 1 as option), new technology developments, 10-year in-service support as well as a new training center.

The contract will also include future technologies, potentially including a new fuel cell system.

Fincantieri tests lithium-ion battery system for Italian Navy’s U212 NFS submarines

Vessels

To note, the U212 NFS submarines are expected to be highly innovative, with significant design modifications that will all be developed independently by Fincantieri, which 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.

In the summer of 2024, OCCAR exercised an option for the fourth new-generation submarine related to the U212 NFS program. The contract has a total value of approximately €500 million, including the related integrated logistic support and in-service support.