U212 NFS submarine
Attack submarine in the Italian Navy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
As part of the development of the Italian Navy submarine force for the period 2025 - 2050, the U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) and the U212 NFS EVO are being developed, for an introduction by 2036. By then, the Italian Navy will be equipped with four Todaro class (the U212A), four U212 NFS, and two U212 NFS EVO.[10]
- U212 NFS
- U212 NFS EVO
- Future operator:
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name |
|
| Builders | Fincantieri S.p.A. |
| Operators |
|
| Preceded by | Sauro class submarine |
| Succeeded by | Next Generation Submarine[1] |
| Cost | |
| Built | Since 2022[5] |
| Planned | 6 |
| Building | 4 |
| Completed | 0 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Attack submarine |
| Displacement |
|
| Length | 59 metres (193 ft 7 in) |
| Beam | 7 metres (23 ft 0 in) |
| Height | 12 metres (39 ft 4 in) |
| Decks | 2 |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed | > 20 kn (37 km/h) |
| Complement | 29 (+ capacity for 8 special forces) |
| Sensors & processing systems |
|
| Electronic warfare & decoys | RESM/CESM on mast by Elettronica[8] |
| Armament |
|
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.[10]
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.[11]
In November 2020, the Italian ministry of defence released their multi-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.[12]
The Italian Government mandated OCCAR to manage the U212 NFS programme on its behalf.[11]
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.[13] 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.[14]
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).[15]
Ships of the class
| Name | No. | Type | Builder | Contract | Steal cutting | Laid down | Launched | Comm. | Homeport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Italian Navy | |||||||||
| NFS1 | S530 | NFS | Fincantieri (Muggiano, La Spezia) |
26 Feb 2021 [2] | 11 Jan 2022 [16] | 27 Feb 2026[17] | – | 2027[18] | Taranto Submarine Base |
| NFS2 | S531 | 6 Jun 2023 [19][20] | – | Jan 2029[18] | |||||
| NFS3 | S532 | 21 Jul 2023 [13] | 27 Jun 2024 [14] | – | Dec 2030[14] | ||||
| NFS4 | S533 | 27 Jun 2024 [14] | 12 Dec 2025 [21] | – | Jan 2032[9] | ||||
| – | – | NFS EVO | Fincantieri (Muggiano, La Spezia) |
– | – | – | – | 2036 [1] | – |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||
Potential operators
Greece- The Hellenic Navy is looking for a successor to its fleet of four Type 209 (209/1100 and 209/1200).[22]
- The competition involves:
- HHI with its own design[23]
- Hanwha Ocean with the KSS-III[24]
- Naval Group with the Blacksword Barracuda[25]
- Saab Kockums with the A26 Blekinge
- TKMS: with multiple options (Type 209/1400 Mod, Type 212CD, Type 214, Type 218)
Middle East- The CEO of Fincantieri mentioned opportunities for the export of this ship in the Middle East as of June 2025.[22]
Philippines- TKMS and Fincantieri signed an agreement in April 2025 to offer the U212 NFS to the Philippines, as part of the Horizon III modernisation initiative.[26]
Failed bids
Poland- The Polish Navy planned to purchase 3 attack submarines as part of its Orka programme. The mentioned competitors include the A26 Blekinge,[27][28] the KSS-III,[29] the S-80,[30] the Scorpene SSK, the U212 NFS[31] and the Type 212CD.[32]
- Ultimately, the Polish Navy selected the A26 Blekinge in November 2025.[33][34][35]
See also
Equivalent submarines of the same era
