A graphic depiction of the Italian Navy's Type 212 NFS. Fincantieri has started construction on the first boat at its Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia. (Italian Navy)
Fincantieri launched the start of construction for the Italian Navy's first new Type 212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) at its Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia on 11 January.
Under the Type 212 NFS programme, the Italian Navy is planning to procure four new boats evolved from the service's existing Todaro (Type 212A)-class air-independent propulsion diesel-electric submarines (SSKs).
Fincantieri was awarded a contract worth EUR1.35 billion (USD1.63 billion) to build the first pair under a contract awarded via the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) in February 2021. Under the agreement terms, the two submarines are expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2029.
The contract includes an option for the two follow-on submarines.
The Type 212 NFS submarines will feature a range of technology and design enhancements over the Italian Navy's four in-service Todaro-class SSKs, including a non-magnetic amanox hull that will be 1.2 m longer than the existing boats, a redesigned stern comprising a propeller-optimised cap combined with pre-swirled rudders, and a new fluoropolymer foul release hull coating. The design features a longer low-profile fin to accommodate a set of electrically actuated mast-raising systems that will replace the hydraulic systems of the in-service boats.
The boats will be equipped with a new combat management system supplied by Leonardo, as well as a new electronic warfare suite supplied by Elettronica, and updated sonar and communication suites.
They will also be able to deploy unmanned underwater vehicles, Leonardo Black Shark Advanced NSP (Nuovo Siluro Pesante) torpedoes, and will feature a strike missile capability.
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