Italian-German partnership proposes U212 NFS submarines for Philippine Navy

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and German counterpart Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) have entered into an industrial cooperation agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership to provide the Philippine Navy with newbuild submarines.

The two companies are proposing a variant of the U212 NFS diesel-electric submarine, examples of which are being manufactured by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy.

The partnership also aims to strengthen local infrastructure and expand the operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy's fleet.

"Building on our successful cooperation within the Italian submarine program, this industrial cooperation agreement provides an excellent foundation for further joint projects in the underwater domain," said Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS.

The U212 NFS submarines will be based on the Type 212A boats originally developed by German shipbuilder HDW (now a subsidiary under TKMS) in the late 1990s.

The newer submarines will feature low acoustic, magnetic, and visual signature characteristics. TKMS said they will meet the highest quality standards and the most stringent rules and requirements, with TKMS supplying essential key technologies and components.

The use of a special non-magnetic steel, combined with other key technical features and new stealth technology, will make the U212 NFS submarines virtually undetectable, TKMS added.