TRIESTE – Strategic alliance between Fincantieri and the Philippine Navy for cutting-edge U212 NFS submarines. The goal is to enhance the Asian country’s military capabilities, strengthen regional defense, and promote long-term industrial cooperation. Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have signed an industrial cooperation agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at providing the Philippine Navy with advanced submarine solutions.
Within the framework of the Horizon III military modernization initiative, the Philippine Navy seeks to reinforce the archipelago’s defense through the acquisition of state-of-the-art weapon systems. In particular, the introduction of submarines would mark a turning point in the protection of territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea.
The collaboration between the two European companies combines their respective expertise and cutting-edge technologies to deliver the most efficient and competitive solution for the U212 NFS class submarines, which Fincantieri is currently building in Italy at its shipyards for the Italian Navy.
The partnership also aims to strengthen local infrastructure and expand the Philippine Navy’s operational capabilities. The cooperation between the Italian and German navies on U212A submarines dates back to 1996. Building on this long-standing partnership, Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have expanded their cooperation to include potential joint export projects.
The U212 NFS is an evolution of the HDW-class U212A submarine, characterized by extremely low acoustic, magnetic, and visual signatures, making it exceptionally stealthy. It meets the highest quality standards and the most stringent regulatory requirements, with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems supplying key technologies and essential components.
The Philippine Navy would gain a significant strategic advantage thanks to the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, first introduced on the U212A and now integrated into the U212 NFS. Additionally, the use of Amanox non-magnetic steel, combined with other key technical features and new stealth technologies, makes the U212 NFS virtually undetectable.
A distinctive feature of the U212 NFS offering is the operational support provided by the Italian Navy, which will ensure the Philippine Navy receives an unprecedented level of training, doctrine, and logistics. The package also includes specialized industrial and operational training activities, enabling the Philippine Navy to quickly develop well-structured and highly qualified crews.
Furthermore, under the Philippines’ “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act,” the partnership will support the development of a new naval base. This will be made possible thanks to the design expertise of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri, backed by decades of shipbuilding experience and long-standing cooperation with naval forces around the world.
