A rendering of Italy's new U212 NFS submarine. (OCCAR)
UDT 2026: New details emerge on Italy’s major NFS submarine programme
DSEI Gateway reports at its partner event, UDT 2026, in London.
16 APR 2026
By
Olivia
Savage
Editor in Chief, DSEI Gateway
Italy’s new U212 Near Future Submarines (NFS) being developed by Fincantieri will feature a mine laying capability, according to an official involved in the project.
Speaking at UDT 2026 on 15 April, Andrea Pinna, OCCAR combat systems officer for the programme, revealed that the mines will be released from the submarine’s torpedo tubes, eliminating the need for any external equipment.
OCCAR, otherwise known as the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, is managing the programme on behalf of Italy, bringing its experience on managing large programmes and providing risk management.
The organisation works closely with Fincantieri, the prime contractor on the programme, to deliver the submarines, with four due to be delivered to the Italian Navy from 2029 onwards.
The U212 NFS. (OCCAR)
The two parties are still discussing the technical details for the mine laying capability, Pinna added, with a decision on the details and the configuration expected within this year.
Along with laying mines, the submarines have been designed to fire a deep-strike capability from the torpedo tubes. Pinna noted that the requirements, including the type of missiles needed, are also yet to be defined.
Additionally, Italy’s existing submarines – U212A – are due to undergo a mid-life upgrade (MLU), with a feasibility study currently underway that will complete towards the end of the year, he said.
Some of the requirements for the submarines are expected to be incorporated into the MLU for the U212A submarines, Pinna added.
Olivia
Savage
Editor in Chief, DSEI Gateway
Olivia Savage is the Editor in Chief of Clarion Defence & Security, organisers of DSEI and other defence events. Previously, she was a Senior Defence Journalist at Janes, specialising in electronic warfare, uncrewed systems, and space.