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Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) have signed an industrial cooperation agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at supplying the Philippine Navy with U212 Near Future Submarines.
European shipbuilding giants Fincantieri and TKMS have signed an industrial cooperation agreement, marking a significant step in their strategic partnership to deliver advanced submarine capability solutions to the Philippine Navy.
The agreement forms part of the Philippines’ Horizon III military modernisation program, an initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s maritime defence posture amid ongoing regional security challenges. A key pillar of this initiative is the planned acquisition of submarines – a historic first for the Philippine Navy – which would greatly strengthen its ability to protect territorial waters, particularly in the contested South China Sea.
The collaboration brings together the extensive experience and technological innovation of both companies to offer a highly capable and competitive solution based on the U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS) class.
Fincantieri is currently constructing these next-generation submarines for the Italian Navy at its facilities in Italy. The project also includes efforts to build local capacity, strengthen naval infrastructure and expand the operational readiness of the Philippine fleet.
The U212 NFS is a cutting-edge evolution of the HDW Class U212A submarine. It boasts a remarkably low acoustic, magnetic and visual signature, making it exceptionally stealthy and hard to detect. The platform meets the highest military standards and integrates key systems and technologies from both partners. TKMS will supply essential components and technologies, while Fincantieri will apply its experience in high-performance naval shipbuilding.
“Our successful collaboration on the Italian submarine program has laid a strong foundation,” said Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS. “This agreement sets the stage for future joint efforts in the underwater domain.”
First introduced on the U212A, the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system will also be featured on the U212 NFS. This advanced capability allows submarines to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing, a critical advantage in contested waters. The submarine’s structure includes Amanox non-magnetic steel and cutting-edge stealth features, further enhancing survivability and reducing detectability.
“This agreement is a strategic milestone for Fincantieri,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri. “We’re proud to bring decades of submarine-building expertise and to expand our global reach with the support of the Italian and German defence industries.”
A defining feature of the proposal is the operational support from the Italian Navy, which includes comprehensive training, doctrine development and logistics support. The program also provides specialised technical and operational training to fast-track the Philippine Navy’s ability to operate and maintain its future submarine fleet with a well-trained and professional crew.
In alignment with the Philippines’ Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, the partnership will assist in developing a new naval base to support the submarine program. The design and implementation will draw on Fincantieri and TKMS’ combined expertise in naval infrastructure and their long-standing relationships with global navies.
The deal, if finalised, would mark a major milestone not only for the Philippine Navy but for European defence industry collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring growing international interest in strengthening maritime security across the region.
