Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has laid the keel for the first U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS) for the Italian Navy at its Muggiano shipyard, marking a major milestone in replacing aging Sauro-class submarines. The program, launched in 2018, will deliver four advanced diesel-electric submarines by 2032. Equipped with cruise missiles, torpedoes, unmanned underwater vehicles, and upgraded electronic warfare systems, the U212 NFS introduces enhanced stealth and automation features. The platform incorporates lithium battery technology, advanced propulsion systems, and low-noise design elements to improve endurance and operational effectiveness in modern undersea warfare.
