In a significant development for the Italian Navy, Fincantieri, a renowned shipbuilding company, has obtained parliamentary approval for the construction of the third submarine as part of the U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) program. This approval paves the way for Fincantieri to proceed with the standard administrative procedure to bring this cutting-edge vessel to life.
The U212NFS program, led by the international organization for joint armament cooperation (OCCAR), comprises two submarines that were contracted in 2021, along with the establishment of a Training Center. Fincantieri assumes the roles of design authority and prime contractor for the program, reflecting their technological and managerial leadership.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri, highlights the company's prowess, stating, "The prosecution of the program acknowledges Fincantieri's technological and managerial leadership, in full continuity with the pillars set out in our business plan. The submarine is a unique strategic and industrial asset, combining shipbuilding and its highest standards with the underwater, a sector in which crucial games will be played also thanks to our vision of the future."
The first two submarines are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2029, with the steel cutting for the second unit set to commence on June 6th. Fincantieri, independently developing significant design modifications, ensures that the U212NFS submarines will be highly innovative, meeting the Navy's requirements for underwater spatial surveillance and control capacity.
The program addresses the upcoming challenges of underwater operations, as the operational lifetime of the current "Sauro" class submarines nears its end. It also aims to enhance Fincantieri's strategic and innovative industrial know-how and consolidate its technological lead, involving major industries and small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector. Italian industries play a crucial role in developing technologically advanced components for the submarines.
The submarines fulfill diverse tasks daily, contributing to the community's well-being by safeguarding national interests and collective defense. They engage in military missions, protect freedom of navigation, combat piracy, ensure the safety of energy supply routes, adhere to international law, fight terrorism, defend external borders, and protect maritime infrastructure, including vital offshore and underwater assets and marine ecosystems.
Fincantieri's achievement in securing parliamentary approval for the third new generation submarine exemplifies their commitment to advancing naval capabilities and ensuring the security and prosperity of Italy. This milestone reinforces their position as a leading player in the shipbuilding industry, ready to tackle the challenges of future underwater scenarios.
