News

2024-08-09

Fincantieri to Build Fourth Italian Navy Submarine

The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has exercised an option to build a fourth next-generation submarine for the Italian Navy under the U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme. The €500 million contract awarded to Fincantieri encompasses the submarine itself, along with integrated logistic and in-service support.

This signing also activates all remaining options for maintenance support of the previously contracted submarines.

The signing took place between OCCAR Director Joachim Sucker and the General Manager of Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division, Dario Deste, at the Muggiano shipyard.

The event also celebrated the start of work on the third NFS submarine under construction for the Italian Navy with a steel-cutting ceremony. Vice Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, the Director of Naval Armaments, was also present at the event.

Engineering Change Proposal

Simultaneously, a major Engineering Change Proposal is being initiated for the industrialisation, production, and integration of an innovative lithium energy storage system (Lithium Battery System) on board all U212 NFS vessels.

This new system will replace the traditional lead-acid batteries currently in use. The advanced technology will significantly increase the submarines’ underwater range.

The U212 NFS submarines will 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, in accordance with the Navy requirements.

The programme 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 presently in service is drawing near.

The U212 NFS submarines will also join the four operational U212A class submarines, including the Romei which is undergoing scheduled maintenance at the Muggiano shipyard.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented: “The 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. The system represents an innovation in underwater propulsion systems.”

Fincantieri’s Submarine Expertise

The new U212 NFS class will bolster Fincantieri’s strategic and innovative industrial expertise, consolidating its technological leadership and enhancing its supply chain, including major industries and small and medium-sized enterprises.

This will increase the presence of advanced components developed by Italian industries on board.

Navy submarines undertake various tasks crucial for the community, such as surveilling maritime communication routes and the underwater domain, including within NATO and EU alliances. This role is increasingly vital for protecting the country’s interests below the sea surface, including seabed resources and underwater energy and communication infrastructure.

Building military vessels to meet demanding standards is more challenging than ever. With over 230 years of experience, Fincantieri has delivered more than 2,000 high-tech vessels for the Italian Navy, foreign navies, and other state bodies.

Next-Gen Italian Submarine

The U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) Programme is Italy’s most innovative submarine project to date. Italy entrusted OCCAR to manage the Programme due to its 20 years of experience and proven track record in meeting and exceeding the demands of its Participating States.

OCCAR will ensure the Programme’s development aligns with advanced criteria in System Engineering, Through Life Management, Risk Management, and Quality.

This approach will bring the Programme to the forefront of international attention, enhance its potential for future cooperation, and increase the visibility of its industrial participants.

The U212 NFS Programme addresses Italy’s need for enhanced underwater surveillance and control in complex future scenarios. It will support Italy and its NATO and EU allies with a range of tasks, from military missions to safeguarding navigation, combating piracy, ensuring energy route safety, enforcing international law, and protecting maritime infrastructure.

The Programme, a collaboration between industry, universities, and R&D, builds on the U212A’s experience and integrates advanced technologies in mechanics, energy, sensors, and structures.

It features a next-gen combat system with Leonardo’s command management and weapon control, enhanced by Italian industry, R&D, and academia.

The U212 NFS includes an extended pressure hull, tropicalisation, electric hoistable masts, a new engineering control system, and lithium-ion batteries. It will deploy long-range deep strike cruise missiles and Leonardo’s Black Shark Advanced torpedoes, with provisions for retrofitting previous units.

The U212 NFS Programme includes developing, producing, and supporting four submarines (three plus one option), a 10-year support period, a Training Centre, and potential future technologies like a new Fuel Cell system.

Comments () Views (6865 ) Print

Send To Friend