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 solutions in the submarine sector.
Under the Horizon III military modernization initiative, the Philippine Navy aims to strengthen its defense of the archipelago through the acquisition of cutting-edge weapons systems. In particular, the introduction of submarines would be a game-changer in the protection of territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea.
The collaboration between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri combines their respective expertise and cutting-edge technologies to offer the most efficient and competitive solution for the U212 NFS class submarines, which Fincantieri is currently building in its shipyards in Italy for the Italian Navy. The partnership also aims to strengthen local infrastructure and expand the operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy's fleet.
Cooperation between the Italian and German navies on the U212A submarines dates back to 1996. Building on this long-standing partnership, Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have extended their collaboration to include potential joint export projects.
The U212 NFS is an evolution of the U212A HDW-class submarine, featuring extremely low acoustic, magnetic and visual signatures, making it exceptionally stealthy. It meets the highest quality standards and most stringent regulatory requirements, with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems providing key technologies and essential components.
The Philippine Navy would gain a significant strategic advantage with the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, first introduced on the U212A and now integrated into the U212 NFS. Furthermore, the use of Amanox non-magnetic steel, coupled with other key technical features and new stealth technologies, makes the U212 NFS virtually undetectable.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, said: “With over a decade of experience in building submarines, Fincantieri has developed a solid expertise in providing high-performance naval solutions. This collaboration represents a fundamental step in promoting our international strategy, leveraging the latest generation cutting-edge technologies and the qualities that distinguish Italy and Germany”.
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, commented: “Based on our successful cooperation in the Italian submarine program, this industrial cooperation agreement is an excellent starting point for further joint projects in the underwater sector.”
A distinctive element of the U212 NFS offer is the operational support guaranteed by the Italian Navy, which will ensure the Philippine Navy an unprecedented level of training, doctrine and logistics. The package also includes specialized industrial and operational training activities, allowing the Philippine Navy to rapidly equip itself with well-structured and highly qualified crews.
Furthermore, as part of the Philippines’ Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, the partnership will support the Philippine Navy in the development of a new naval base. This will be made possible by the design know-how of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri, thanks to decades of experience in shipbuilding and long-standing collaboration with navies around the world.
