Fincantieri’s U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) platform is at the centre of different international export campaigns, among which the submarine procurement programme in Poland may be the closest with a selection announcement.
The U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) platform – Fincantieri’s latest-generation submarine developed for the Italian Navy – is at the centre of different international export campaigns, spanning Europe, Asia-Pacific and potentially Middle East, according to Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of the Italian shipbuilding group. Among the most advanced in terms of procurement timeline is the Polish Ministry of Defence’s “Orka” programme, which foresees the acquisition of two to three new submarines. The Italian Ministry of Defence, in coordination with national industry, has put forward a comprehensive offer including platforms, weapons, support services, and training under a new Government-to-Government (G2G) framework.
Answering a question from analysts during Fincantieri’s Q1 2025 results conference call on May 12 regarding the export potential of the U212 NFS submarine developed by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy, and characterized by a significant national content, Folgiero emphasized the active promotional efforts underway in Poland, Greece, Indonesia and the Philippines, the latter involving a partnership with the German company TKMS. He also mentioned broad opportunities in the Middle East.
A few days later, during an investor and analysts event held in Milan to present Fincantieri’s new underwater hub, Folgiero revisited the topic, highlighting how the U212 NFS positions the group among the few shipbuilders worldwide capable of designing and building next-generation submarines. The first international success, he added, could materialize as early as 2026.
An Italian evolution of the U212A platform – already in service with the German and Italian Navies – the U212 NFS features Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries, developed and produced by Italian industry. Fincantieri serves as prime contractor and design authority, leading a national industry team that includes Leonardo (as combat system integrator, CMS and other equipment supplier), ELT Group, Avio Aero, and others.
OCCAR is managing the Italian Navy’s acquisition program, which includes the delivery of four submarines, related in-service support, and a new training centre, with a total value of approximately €2.7 billion. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2029, with the others following by 2032.
Poland as a strategic starting point
Poland’s Ministry of Defence is moving forward with the “Orka” program to acquire two advanced submarines, plus optional. The initiative is considered as a high priority and urgent, as the Polish Navy currently operates only one aging Kilo-class vessel, commissioned in 1986.
In 2023, eleven participants took part in the preliminary market consultation led by the Polish Armaments Agency. Proposals from Italy, Germany and Sweden scored highest scores, although discussions remain open with other bidders.
The Italian proposal, one of those shortlisted, was formally presented in February 2025 at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard during a bilateral industrial meeting between Polish Secretary of State for Defense Paweł Bejda and the Italian Undersecretary of State for Defense, Matteo Perego di Cremnago. The visit included a tour of the shipyard and the U212 NFS production line, where three hulls are already under construction, offering the Polish delegation a close look at Fincantieri’s technical capabilities and shipbuilding know-how.
“The Italian side presented its offer within the framework of the Orka program, which provides for the acquisition of new submarines for the Polish Navy,” the Polish MoD announced in an official statement. “The units currently in production were highlighted for their modernity and interoperability with NATO systems,” the statement continued, adding that “Poland is evaluating several options as part of a broader modernization effort for its Armed Forces, with a focus on boosting national industrial capabilities and enhancing cooperation with key European partners.”
Follow-up discussions took place on May 6, during Undersecretary Perego’s participation in the Defence24 Days, a major Central and Eastern Europe security and defense conference.
While the specifics of Italy’s proposal remain undisclosed, sources indicate it was structured to provide a rapid response to Poland’s operational needs. As a bridging solution, the offer includes the transfer of an in-service submarine from the Italian Navy within a year of the agreement’s signing. It is unclear whether this would be a modernized Sauro-class vessel (likely IV series unit) or a U212A, but the intent is to offer the Polish Navy a capable interim solution in the shortest possible time, compatible with required upgrades and training timelines.
In parallel, the definitive solution would involve supplying U212 NFS submarines, with delivery schedules aligned to the Polish MoD requirements. According to available sources, one of the submarines currently under construction for the Italian Navy could potentially be allocated to Poland.
The Italian proposal would also include a full support package, from initial familiarization and training, to commissioning, through full lifecycle technical and logistical support. Direct industrial participation by Polish companies is also envisaged, with the goal of enabling local support and establishing a national maintenance base. The offer reportedly also features a weapons package centred on the Black Shark Advanced (BSA) heavy-weight torpedo – already in service with Italian Navy and other export customers – produced by WASS Submarine Systems, a Fincantieri company. Additional weapons, including mines are also part of the offer. The U212 NFS is designed to be capable of integrating long-range strike missiles, which are being requested by Italian Navy.
According to sources, the Italian Navy would play a key role in the transition, providing infrastructure, personnel and expertise to support the Polish Navy’s operational readiness. Shared use of the same platform would enhance commonality and interoperability and streamline training and logistics, while potentially shortening delivery timelines.
The Polish MoD has also expressed a requirement for a special forces capability, including the deployment of materiel and swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs). Sources indicate that interest has been shown in Italian companies DRASS and M23. The latter has separately proposed its midget solution to complement the larger, under procurement Orka programme platforms. The Italian industrial ecosystem also includes Cabi Cattaneo.
Framed within a G2G cooperation context between Italy and Poland, the proposal represents a strategic opportunity with significant industrial and operational implications for both defence sectors. The technological package complements the advanced capabilities of the new U212 NFS platform which Fincantieri is currently building for the Italian Navy.
Finally, OCCAR – already managing the U212 NFS program for Italy -, could serve as a contracting authority, particularly given Poland’s increasing involvement in OCCAR-led initiatives such as the HYDEF project, aimed at developing a new European defense solution to counter new-generation missile threats, including hypersonic ones.
