Fincantieri has laid the keel of the initial U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS) for the Italian Navy at its facility in Muggiano, La Spezia.
The milestone is part of an ongoing program conceptualized in 2018 to replace the service’s Sauro-class diesel-electric submarines, operating since the 1980s.
Construction for the initiative’s first platform began in 2022. That vessel is scheduled to enter service by 2029, with the hull bearing the “NFS1 S530” designation.
The effort plans to field a total of four systems, with an expected completion date of 2032.
“The U212NFS submarine class represents a substantial evolution compared to its U212A predecessors, thanks to greater design maturity, a higher level of national technological content, and improved integration of onboard systems,” Fincantieri said.
“The innovations developed by Italian industry — including the lithium-ion propulsion battery and the new combat system — will ensure greater stealth, endurance, efficiency, and cyber resilience.”
New Italian Attack Submarine
The U212 NFS will be equipped with land attack cruise missiles, torpedoes, and unmanned underwater vehicles to support its primary role as a modern subsurface combatant for the Italian Navy.
In addition to firepower, the vessel will receive multiple sensors, an upgraded communication and electronic warfare suite, and an enhanced autopilot technology to maintain awareness and operability.
The submarine’s structure measures 59 meters (194 feet) long, has a beam of 7 meters (23 feet), and will have a two-level deck to accommodate more than 30 personnel.
In addition to the planned lithium battery, the U212 NFS’ propulsion system will incorporate an MTU 16V-396 diesel generator, a Permasyn motor, and a low-noise propeller.
