Introduction

The Defense Minister has transmitted to the competent Commissions of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic the request for parliamentary opinion on the ministerial decree scheme for the approval of the multi-year A/R program n. SMD 9/2025, named “Continuation of the U212 NFS program” (A.G 353).

The four U212 NFS submarines currently under construction will be highly innovative, with significant design changes made compared to the U212A, all autonomously developed by Fincantieri, which plays the role of Design Authority and Prime Contractor in accordance with Navy requirements.

The U212 NFS program responds to the need to ensure adequate surveillance and control capabilities of underwater spaces, considering the complex operational scenarios that will characterize the future of operations in the underwater sector.

The new vessels will also join the four operational U212A class submarines, of which the Salvatore Todaro (S 526) and Scirè (S 527) belonging to the first series will be subject to mid-life operational work (AMV or MLU) being in service since 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Program Objective

The program aims to:

ensure the industrialization phase to equip the four U212 NFS submarines with batteries based on lithium technology (instead of lead-based ones), to improve performance and environmental sustainability of the vehicles, also in relation to logistical support;
update the integrated logistic support system for the first 10 years of life of the submarines, given the experience gained in the in-life support of the current vehicles (U212A type), also considering the global difficulties in supply chains and the foreseeable intense operational use to which the new submarines will be subjected in the persistent international crisis scenario;
enhance and adapt support infrastructures (dockyards, piers, warehouses, workshops, etc.) to meet the specific needs of the new submarines.

The U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) is among the most advanced available, with a fully integrated command and control system, an advanced set of electro-acoustic and electro-optical sensors, enhanced anti-submarine, anti-ship, and anti-torpedo defenses, with the ability to use the new heavy torpedo and, in perspective, anti-ship and surface attack variation environment missiles and long-range mines; obviously, it will be able to carry out missions in support of the Subaquei Incursori “Teseo Tesei” (COMSUBIN), carrying and releasing the operators with their means and equipment near the targets.

The New Lithium-Ion Batteries

From the energy management point of view on board, the new U212 NFS will guarantee a longer stay at sea, through the reduction of logistic needs, the higher performance of the air-independent energy generation system and the adoption of new energy storage and management technologies.
These are new-generation lithium-ion batteries designed to provide higher energy and overall power yield, while ensuring longer underwater autonomy and tactical operational advantages thanks to silent navigation and reduced recharge times.

The use of this lithium-ion battery system will allow an increase in overall autonomy, allowing these submarines to carry out missions to the extremes of the so-called “Extended Mediterranean”, strategically interesting for the country, and to maintain full concealment of the submarine for prolonged periods of time.

Regarding the energy storage system based on lithium-ion batteries, Italy with this proprietary technology is at the forefront compared to allied countries, whose submarines are not yet equipped with similar or so performing systems.

Duration and Estimated Costs of the Program

The program is conceived according to a multi-year development plan with an assumed duration of 15 years, with a start already envisaged in 2025 and a conclusion expected in 2039.
The total cost of the program is €658.64 million, fully funded, almost perfectly divided between the budgets of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry for Enterprises and Made in Italy, within the resources available under current law.

Delivery of the first submarine is expected by December 2027 while the second vessel will be put into service by January 2029; the other two submarines will be delivered to the Navy respectively in May 2030 and June 2031.

Source Government Act 353 (A.G. 353)

Image credit @Fincantieri