U212A Submarine Upgrade: Enhancing Italian Naval Power
The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), a European intergovernmental body, has entered into a contract amendment aimed at modernizing the first batch of U212A Todaro-class submarines used by the Italian Navy. This upgrade is part of the Near Future Submarine (NFS) program, which is focused on revitalizing submarine capabilities through technology enhancements. The modernization effort is informed by a mid-life update study, designed to pinpoint systems and equipment that necessitate upgrades, ensuring that these submarines remain competitive with newer models.
According to a press release from OCCAR, the Engineering Change Proposal is set to determine the most effective technological solutions for the U212A submarines. Despite remaining among the most sophisticated underwater vessels globally, these submarines were delivered nearly two decades ago and have undergone extensive operational usage, leading to the necessity for comprehensive upgrades to replace outdated systems.
Enhancing Capability and Cost Efficiency
The modernization initiative not only aims to improve the Italian Navy’s U212A submarines but also offers potential insights for other nations using similar submarine designs. Notably, the German Navy operates the 212A class, while the Royal Norwegian Navy has recently placed an order for four submarines that are based on this architecture. The first of the Todaro-class vessels was commissioned in 2006, with the latest entering service in 2017, solidifying its role in contemporary naval operations.
The NFS program’s overarching goal is to replace the aging Sauro-class submarines, of which four remain active while an equal number have been decommissioned. The first Sauro submarine was introduced back in 1979, underlining the push for modernization. The NFS initiative includes a total of four U212 NFS vessels and two advanced U212 NFS Evo submarines, with plans for the first of these new submarines to be operational by 2027, and the last anticipated to launch in 2036. These upcoming classes promise to enhance capabilities in underwater operations, surveillance, and control missions.
