The OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement, the international organization for joint armament cooperation) has exercised the construction of the third new-generation submarine related to the U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) program for the Italian Navy assigned to Fincantieri. The vessel has a total value of more than euro 500 million, including the integrated support service, and will be delivered in 2030. Future program development also contemplates an additional 160 million for future additional activities or provision of specific additional capabilities required by the Navy. The U212NFS submarines will be highly innovative, with significant design modifications which will all be developed independently by Fincantieri, which holds the role of Design Authority, in accordance with the requirements of the Navy.
On July 21 2023, OCCAR-EA exercised the Contract Option related to the 3rd U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS). The activation of the NFS3 Contract Option represents another major step towards the progressive development of the NFS Programme, which finalizes the technical and administrative process started with the signing of the 2nd Contract Amendment in December 2022. Next Amendments will address the commitment of the fourth boat (planned in 2024) and the implementation of further technological advancements to enhance submarines’ efficiency and performance.
The program responds to the need to secure adequate underwater spatial surveillance and control capacity, considering the future complex scenarios of underwater operations and that the operational lifetime of the 4 “Sauro” class submarines, currently in service, is drawing near. It also aims at upholding and further developing Fincantieri’s acquired strategic and innovative industrial know-how, as well as consolidating the technological lead attained by the company and its supply chain, major industries, and small and medium-sized enterprises of the sector, enhancing the presence on board of technologically advanced component parts developed by Italian industries. On a daily basis, Navy submarines are engaged in the surveillance of maritime communication routes and the underwater dimension, including within NATO and EU alliances.
Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only one active in all high-tech marine industry sectors. It is leader in the construction and transformation of cruise, naval and oil & gas and wind offshore vessels, as well as in the production of systems and component equipment, after-sales services and marine interiors solutions. Fincantieri maintains its know-how, expertise and management centres in Italy, here employing 10,000 workers and creating around 90,000 jobs, which double worldwide thanks to a production network of 18 shipyards operating in four continents and with almost 21,000 employees.
