UDT 2026: First Type 212 NFS submarine production over 50% complete, OCCAR outlines programme plans

A hull section of the first Improved Todaro (Type 212 NFS)-class submarine in production at Fincantieri's Muggiano shipyard. (Fincantieri)

The first Improved Todaro (Type 212 NFS)-class submarine for the Italian Navy has reached an “achieved production” of over 50%, according to a presentation from the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).

The update was provided by OCCAR in a briefing on the Type 212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme at Clarion Defence's Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) 2026 exhibition held in London from 14-16 April 2026. The production progress follows the keel laying of the first boat on 27 February 2026.

Delivery timelines Speaking at the event, Andrea Simone Pinna, combat system officer U212 NFS, programme division, OCCAR-EA Italy, said that construction of all four contracted boats is currently underway, with the first three in production at Fincantieri's Muggiano shipyard, while steel rings for the fourth are in production at the company's Riva Trigoso facility. The first submarine is at 52.6% of achieved production, the second at 32.5%, the third at 20.84%, and the final boat at 11.9%.

Launch of the first boat is expected in mid 2028, with delivery in late 2029. Subsequent deliveries are expected in mid 2030 (launch in early 2029), late 2031 (launch in early 2030) and late 2032 or latest 2034 (launch in early 2031) for the remaining three boats respectively.

Pinna also provided further details on several key systems for the Type 212 NFS, including the FIB-FAAM/Power4Future/Cetena lithium-ion battery system (LBS). Pinna said that the LBS offers benefits over previous battery systems, including an increased endurance and higher charge when snorkelling of 90% compared to 75-80%, reduced maintenance, and quieter operations.

In response to a question from Janes