As part of the Horizon III military modernization initiative, the Philippine Navy aims to enhance its archipelagic defense by acquiring cutting-edge weapon systems. In particular, the introduction of submarines would be a game-changer in securing territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea. The collaboration between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri brings together their extensive expertise and cutting-edge technologies to deliver the most efficient and competitive solution for the U212 NFS class submarines, which Fincantieri is currently building for the Italian Navy at its shipyards in Italy. The partnership also aims to strengthen local infrastructure and expand the operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy’s fleet.
The cooperation between between Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems on the U212A submarines dates back to 1996. Building on their longstanding partnership, Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems extended their cooperation to include potential joint export projects.
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, stated: “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.”
Advanced Submarine Technology for Strategic Superiority
The U212 NFS is an evolution of the HDW Class U212A submarine, featuring low acoustic, magnetic, and visual signature characteristics and making it exceptionally stealthy. It meets the highest quality standards and the most stringent rules and requirements, with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems supplying essential key technologies and components.
The Philippine Navy would gain a significant strategic advantage through 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 technology, makes the U212 NFS virtually undetectable.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, added: “With decades of experience in submarine construction, Fincantieri has developed a solid expertise in delivering high-performance naval solutions. This cooperation is a key milestone in promoting our international export strategy, leveraging the latest cutting-edge Italian and German technologies and quality.”
Comprehensive Support and Local Capability Building
A distinguishing factor of the U212 NFS offering is the operational support provided by the Italian Navy, ensuring the Philippine Navy benefits from an unparalleled level of training, doctrine, and logistics. The package also includes specialized industrial and operational training, allowing the Philippine Navy to rapidly build a well-structured and highly skilled submarine crew.
Furthermore, as part of the Philippine’s “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act”, the partnership will support the Philippine Navy in developing a new naval base. This will be achieved by leveraging the design expertise of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri, drawing on their decades of shipbuilding experience and long-standing cooperation with navies worldwide.
