Fincantieri and TKMS Join Forces for Philippine Submarines

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and Germany’s thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) have forged a significant industrial cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing the Philippine Navy’s submarine capabilities. This partnership leverages advanced technologies and expertise from both companies to deliver state-of-the-art solutions, including the U212 NFS class submarines currently under construction for the Italian Navy. The collaboration not only focuses on submarine development but also aims to bolster local infrastructure and operational training for the Philippine Navy.

Strengthening Naval Capabilities

The collaboration between Fincantieri and TKMS combines their extensive knowledge and modern technologies to create a competitive edge in submarine capabilities. The U212 NFS class submarines represent an evolution of the existing HDW Class U212A submarines, featuring advanced low acoustic, magnetic, and visual signatures. TKMS will supply crucial technologies and components necessary for the development of these submarines.

In addition to submarine construction, the partnership emphasizes the importance of enhancing the Philippine Navy’s operational capabilities. This includes providing specialized industrial and operational training to ensure that the Philippine Navy can develop a highly skilled submarine crew. The initiative aligns with the Philippines’ “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act,” which aims to strengthen national defense through improved naval infrastructure.

Fincantieri and TKMS have a long-standing relationship dating back to 1996, when they first collaborated on the U212A submarines. This new agreement not only extends their cooperation but also opens doors for potential joint export projects, further solidifying their commitment to advancing submarine technology.

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “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.” Meanwhile, Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in promoting their international export strategy, emphasizing the blend of Italian and German technological expertise.

Future Developments and Upgrades

As part of the ongoing development efforts, the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has recently signed Amendment No. 6 to the U212 NFS program contract. This amendment introduces a new engineering change proposal focused on assessing the first batch of U212A Todaro-class submarines. The goal is to identify which systems require upgrades using the latest technologies developed for the Near Future Submarine program.

This strategic partnership between Fincantieri and TKMS marks a pivotal moment for the Philippine Navy, as it seeks to enhance its maritime capabilities and ensure a robust defense posture. By investing in advanced submarine technology and training, the Philippines is taking significant steps toward self-reliance in national defense.