U212 NFS submarine

Last updated
Class overview
Name
  • U212 NFS
  • U212 NFS Evo
Builders Fincantieri S.p.A.
Operators
Preceded by Sauro class submarine
Succeeded byNext Generation Submarine [1]
Cost
  • NFS1 and NFS2 (including training center and development): €1.35 billion [2]
  • NFS3: €500 million (+ €160 million of budget for additional developments) [3]
  • NFS4: €500 million [4]
BuiltSince 2022 [5]
Planned6
Building4
Completed0
General characteristics
Type Attack submarine
Displacement
  • U212 NFS: 1,600 tonnes (1,600 long tons) surfaced
  • U212 NFS Evo: 2,000 tonnes (2,000 long tons)
Length59 metres (193 ft 7 in)
Beam7 metres (23 ft 0 in)
Height12 metres (39 ft 4 in)
Decks2
Complement29
Sensors and
processing systems
  • Sonar suite: Sphere-based Kaleidoscope 2.0 integrated sonar suite by ELAC SONAR [6]
    • FAS (flank array sonar)
    • CAS (cylindrical array sonar)
    • MAS (mine avoidance sonar)
    • CIA (Cylindrical intercept array)
    • ONA HYD (own noise analysis hydrophones)
    • SBE 1 (sonar beacon / distress pinger)
    • SB 3050 2G (multi-beam echosounder)
    • VE 5900 (naval echosounder)
    • UT3000 2G (underwater communication system)
  • Masts supplied by L3Harris and Calzoni: [7]
    • Communication
    • electro-optical system
    • RESM/CESM
  • Systems:
    • New Italian combat system by Leonardo
    • Autopilot system by Avio Aero
Electronic warfare
& decoys		RESM/CESM on mast by Elettronica [7]
Armament

As part of the development of the Italian Navy submarine force for the period 2025 - 2050, the U212 NFS and the U212 NFS Evo are being developed, for an introduction by 2036. By then, the Italian Navy will be equipped with 4 Todaro class (the U212A), 4 U212 NFS, and 2 U212 NFS Evo. [8]

Contents

The Italian Navy is already preparing the development of the successor of the U212A, the NGS (New Generation Submarine) that will replace the U212A and that will start to be built from 2040. The Italian Navy is also developing a LDAUV (Large Displacement Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) to support the submarine force. [8]

Project history

U212 NFS

In 2018 and 2019, the Italian Parliament released information regarding the funding of the successor of the 4 Sauro class submarines in order to maintain an 8-submarine force. [9]

In November 2020, the Italian ministry of defence released their muti-year planning document (Documento Programmatico Pluriennale) for 2020-2022 It mentions the plan to procure four new submarines in two phases for a total programme cost estimated at €2.68 billion. [10]

The Italian Government mandated OCCAR to manage the U212 NFS programme on its behalf. [9]

Phase 1

The phase 1 comprises:

  • Development of the U212 NFS submarine class
  • Procurement of 2 submarines
  • Construction of a training center
  • 10 years technical-logistic in-service support

In February 2021, OCCAR and Fincantieri S.p.A (lead contractor) signed the contract of the phase 1 for €1.35 billion.

Phase 2

The phase 2 of the programme has 2 submarines that were to be purchased as an option. It includes:

  • Complementary development of the class
  • Procurement of 2 submarines
  • 10 years technical-logistic in-service support for the 2 additional submarines

In December 2022, OCCAR committed to a third U212 NFS submarine. [11] In July 2023, the contract was signed for a value of €500 million, and a complementary budget of €160 million for additional developments was also included in the contract.

The fourth U212 NFS was ordered in June 2024 for a value of €500 million. [12]

U212 NFS Evo

In June 2024, the Italian Navy unveiled its plan for the fleet development for the period 2025 - 2050. It includes the development of a sub-class of the U212 NFS which will be larger (> 2,000 tonnes) and which will integrate technologies in development for the successor of the Todaro class, the NGS (Next Generation Submarine). [13]

Ships of the class

Name No. TypeBuilderContractLaid downLaunched Comm. Homeport
Naval Ensign of Italy.svg  Italian Navy
NFS1S530NFS Fincantieri

(Muggiano, La Spezia  [ it ])

26 Feb 2021 [2] 11 Jan 2022 [14] –2027 (end) [14] Taranto Submarine Base  [ it ]
NFS2S5316 Jun 2023 [15] –2029 (start) [14]
NFS3S53226 Dec 2022 /

21 Jul 2023 [11]

27 Jun 2024 [12] –2032 (end) [12]
NFS4S53327 Jun 2024 [12] ––2034
––NFS EVO Fincantieri

(Muggiano, La Spezia  [ it ])

–––2036 [1] –
––––––
  Planned commissionning
  Ships planned

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References

  1. 1 2 Mauri, Paolo (5 June 2024). "La Marina italiana punta sugli U212 Evo: cosa potranno fare i nuovi sottomarini" (in Italian).
  2. 1 2 "Italy's U212NFS Near Future Submarine Contract Signed" . Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  3. ↑ "Fincantieri Wins Order for 3rd U212 NSF for Italian Navy" . Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  4. ↑ "OCCAR Signs Development of Italy's Fourth Near Future Submarine" . Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  5. ↑ "INIZIO ATTIVITÀ PRODUTTIVA PER IL PRIMO SOTTOMARINO NFS DELLA MARINA MILITARE" . Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  6. ↑ "Marina Militare: Elac builds sonar suite for boat #3 U212 NFS".
  7. 1 2 3 4 5
  8. 1 2 "Il futuro della componente subacquea della Marina Militare (2025-2050) – Analisi Difesa" (in Italian). 2024-08-01. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  9. 1 2 Peruzzi, Luca (2020-12-10). "Italy's New Type U212 NFS Submarine Program Moving Forward with OCCAR". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  10. ↑ Peruzzi, Luca (2020-11-23). "New ships, submarines and weapon systems for Italian Navy". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  11. 1 2 "OCCAR - 3rd U212 NFS Unit Commitment Signed". www.occar.int. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "OCCAR - NFS 3 First Steel Cutting, Fourth Boat Option Activation, and Lithium Battery System Contract Amendment". occar.int. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  13. ↑ Peruzzi, Luca (2024-06-05). "Italy set to increase Submarine Force, Develop new U212 NFS EVO". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  14. 1 2 3 Team, ESD Editorial (2023-06-01). "Maintaining Deterrence and Defence: Italy's Improving Submarine Capability Strengthens NATO's Southern Flank". euro-sd.com. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  15. ↑ Staff, Naval News (2023-06-07). "Fincantieri starts construction of the 2nd U212 NFS submarine for the Italian Navy". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
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