Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has begun construction of the fourth U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) for the Italian Navy, marking a new milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its undersea warfare capabilities.
The start of construction was formalized with a steel-cutting ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia. Senior representatives from Fincantieri, the Italian Navy and the OCCAR-managed U212NFS program attended the event, including Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division General Manager Eugenio Santagata, OCCAR U212NFS Program Manager Decio Trinca and Italian Navy Rear Adm. Francesco Milazzo. The steel cutting, a symbolic and critical phase in submarine construction, officially places the fourth boat on the production line. With this step, four U212NFS submarines are now under construction at different stages within Fincantieri’s shipyards.
The U212NFS program represents the next evolutionary step from the U212A class, featuring a higher level of national industrial content, upgraded combat systems and an enhanced sensor suite. The submarines are designed to improve the Italian Navy’s deterrence posture, undersea dominance and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, with a focus on operations in the Mediterranean and within NATO frameworks.
Construction of the fourth submarine is being carried out under a contract valued at around €500 million, which also covers integrated logistics support and in-service maintenance. Italian officials say the program is critical for preserving national expertise in submarine design and production, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the domestic defence industry.
Among the key technological features of the U212NFS class are advanced energy solutions, including an architecture designed to accommodate future lithium-based battery systems. These developments are expected to extend submerged endurance and increase operational flexibility. Fincantieri Chief Executive Pierroberto Folgiero said the program reflects the company’s defence vision and its intent to further advance Italy’s capabilities in undersea technologies.