Italy is renewing its submarine fleet. Yesterday, February 26, the portal defensenews.com Fincantieri has announced the signing of a contract for the construction of the first pair of U212 NFS submarines.
The Italian Navy already has 4 submarines of the U212 project in service. The NFS modification is an upgraded and more localized version of its predecessors. The first pair of new-generation submarines is due to be delivered to the navy between 2027 and 2029. The cost of their construction is estimated at €1.35 billion.
Italian Navy type U212A submarine
Image source: navalnews.com
U212 NFS submarines will receive a number of changes related to increased localization. So, the combat system will be delivered by the Italian company Leonardo. In addition, these submarines will receive lithium-ion batteries developed in Italy, instead of lead-acid batteries. The submarine's fluoro-polymer coating will also be Italian. It is stated that this will reduce the formation of deposits, as well as reduce drag.
Schematic representation of a U212 NFS type submarine
Image source: navalnews.com
U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) — a new generation of submarines of the German project 212. The Italian Navy already has four such submarines in service, which are designated as U212A. The new submarines will replace the aging Sauro-class submarines and allow the Italian Navy to fulfill the plan to keep eight combat submarines in combat service.
