Fincantieri Lays Keel of Second U212NFS Submarine for Italy
Fincantieri has laid the keel of the second U212 Near Future Submarine, or U212NFS, for the Italian Navy at its Muggiano shipyard in Italy. Naval News reported the ceremony on October 1, 2026.
The submarine is the second of four boats in the programme, which OCCAR manages for Italy. Naval News reported delivery of the second unit is scheduled for 2030.
Fincantieri Marks a Milestone on the Second U212NFS
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Builder | Fincantieri |
| Customer | Italian Navy |
| Programme manager | OCCAR |
| Boats in programme | Four |
| Milestone | Keel laying of the second U212NFS |
| Location | Muggiano shipyard, Italy |
| Second boat delivery | 2030, per Naval News |
| Reported | October 1, 2026 |
The company said in the statement carried by Naval News that the U212NFS class “represents a substantial evolution compared to the previous U212A, thanks to greater design maturity, a broader national technological content, and superior integration of on-board systems.”
What Changes From the U212A
The U212NFS adds a lithium-ion propulsion battery and a new combat system. Fincantieri said the design improves stealth, autonomy, efficiency and cyber resilience compared with the U212A, which the Italian Navy already operates.
The submarine descends from the German-Italian Type 212 family, and our profile of TKMS covers the German side of that lineage. Italy’s national content on the new class is higher, a point the company stressed.
Muggiano Yard and Italian Submarine Building
| Feature | U212A | U212NFS |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Not specified in this report | Lithium-ion |
| Combat system | Earlier system | New combat system |
| Italian content | Lower | Broader national technological content, per Fincantieri |
| Programme | Existing Italian Navy boats | Four boats under OCCAR management |
The Muggiano yard has been active for more than a century and has built over one hundred submarines, according to the company. Fincantieri says the programme preserves Italy’s underwater construction skills and strengthens national industry.
Fincantieri Company Profile
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Trieste, Italy |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Employees | More than 24,000 (company website) |
| Revenue | €9.19 billion (2025) |
| Backlog | €63.2 billion (end of 2025) |
| Naval programmes | FREMM, PPA, DDX destroyers, Constellation-class frigate through Marinette Marine |
U212NFS FAQ
What is the U212NFS?
The U212 Near Future Submarine, Italy’s new version of the U212A with a lithium-ion battery and a new combat system.
How many boats are planned?
Four, under a programme managed by OCCAR.
Where is it being built?
At Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard in Italy.
When will the second boat be delivered?
Naval News reported 2030.
Who is the customer?
The Italian Navy.
- Naval News – “Fincantieri Lays Keel of Second U212NFS Submarine” (October 1, 2026): navalnews.com
- Naval News – “Fincantieri starts construction of the 2nd U212 NFS submarine for the Italian Navy” (June 2023): navalnews.com
- Fincantieri company data via our company profile