Fincantieri has announced that it will build a new submarine.
The Occar (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement, the international armaments cooperation organisation) has in fact exercised the option for the construction of the fourth new generation submarine relating to the Navy’s U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme. Military assigned to Fincantieri. The unit has a value of approximately 500 million euros, including the related Integrated Logistic Support and In Service Support. With this signature, further options are also released which complete the maintenance support of the submarines already contracted.
At the same time, an important Engineering Change Proposal is activated for the industrialization in Italy, production and integration on board of all U212NFS of an innovative lithium energy storage system (Lithium Battery System) which will replace the traditional lead system currently in use . Such cutting-edge technology will increase the submerged autonomy of submarines.
“The U212NFS submarines will be highly innovative, with significant design modifications all independently developed by Fincantieri, which acts as Design Authority and Prime Contractor, in accordance with the requirements of the Italian Navy. The 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 and the approaching end of the operational life of the 4 units of the ‘Sauro’ class currently in service. They will also be deployed alongside the four operational U212A class submarines, of which Romei is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance work at the Muggiano shipyard,” explained a note.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri, commented: “We are proud to announce this further step forward in Fincantieri’s growth in the defense sector and, in particular, in innovation in the underwater sector. This project contributes to expanding our presence in the underwater domain, a strategic area where the fundamental challenges of geopolitical balances and technological innovation of the future will be played out. In addition to the order for the construction of a new latest-generation submarine, we have signed the agreement for the new Lithium Battery System which represents an absolute innovation in underwater propulsion systems, testifying the commitment of Fincantieri and the Italian Navy to the development and industrialization of internationally cutting-edge underwater technologies”.
The new U212NFS class will serve to preserve and increase the strategic and innovative industrial know-how gained by Fincantieri and to consolidate the technological advantage achieved by the company and the supply chain, major industrial companies and small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector, because the presence in component board developed by domestic industry.
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