Leonardo has signed a contract with Fincantieri worth approximately 150 million euros to provide equipment for the initial two U212 Near Future Submarines (NFS), the first of which is due to join the Italian Navy fleet in 2027. This strategic equipment will enhance the surveillance and protection capabilities of the Italian Navy as they carry out operations beneath the waves in Italian and international waters.

The contract includes the design and development of a next-generation Combat Management System (CMS) as part of the Italian Navy’s “Naval Law” modernisation program. The supply forms part of a broader program under which Fincantieri is providing two U212 NFS submarines plus options for two more as well as technical and logistic support. In addition to the CMS, Leonardo will also provide a simulation and training laboratory at the Italian Navy’s Submarine Centre in Taranto and a package of logistic support including staff training and a set of spare parts.
The new U212 Near Future Submarines build on the U212A (Todaro-class) design while featuring a range of technological advances. Four U212A submarines went into service with the Italian Navy in 2006. This contract is a strategic development for Leonardo in the naval sector. By adding a submarine CMS to its portfolio, Leonardo is broadening its offer into the submarine market. With commonalities between the submarine CMS and Leonardo’s equivalent system for surface vessels, the company is expecting to exploit synergies between the two systems, with investment in innovation benefitting both product lines.