Fincantieri, tKMS Partner On Philippines Submarine Project

FINCANTIERI and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tKMS) have signed an Industrial Cooperation Agreement, agreeing to partner strategically and provide the Philippine Navy (PN) with advanced submarine solutions. As part of the Horizon III military modernisation initiative, the Philippine Navy has been keen on procuring at least two submarines to enhance its archipelagic defence and securing its territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea.

The collaboration between Germany’s tKMS and Italy’s Fincantieri brings together their extensive expertise and cutting-edge technologies to deliver the most efficient and competitive solution for the U212 NFS-class submarines. 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 tKMS supplying essential key technologies and components.

Additionally, the partnership would also aim to strengthen local infrastructure and expand the operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy’s fleet.

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 specialised industrial and operational training, allowing the Philippine Navy to rapidly build a well-structured and highly skilled submarine crew. Furthermore, the partnership will support the Philippine Navy in developing a new naval base as part of the Philippine’s “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act”.

Fincantieri currently builds the U212 NFS submarines for the Italian Navy at its shipyards in Italy. However, cooperation between the Italian and German Navies on the U212A submarines dates back to 1996. Building on their longstanding partnership, Fincantieri and tKMS will also leverage their respective decades of shipbuilding experience and long-standing cooperation with navies worldwide to include potential joint export projects.

CEO of tKMS Oliver Burkhard said, “Building on our successful cooperation within the Italian submarine programmw, this agreement provides an excellent foundation for further joint projects in the underwater domain.” Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero 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.”

A tKMS press release stated, 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.

The Philippines has been in the market for submarines for some time, with reports that France’s Naval Group, South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, and Spain’s Navantia among those vying for the deal. Most notably, tKMS produced four of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) latest Invincible-class submarines. Two submarines already fully operational while the remaining two have already been undergoing sea trials before final delivery to Singapore. Singapore also announced an additional acquisition of two more submarines, likely to be a repeat order from tKMS.

This May 6-8, major global shipbuilders and naval officials will gather in Singapore for Asia Pacific’s leading naval defence and maritime defence and security event at the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC). For close to three decades, IMDEX Asia has been the place to be for maritime security practitioners, experts, maritime industry leaders, policy-makers and even warships from across the region and beyond. The event has showcased the best and latest in maritime innovations, vessels and technology since its inception in 1997 and is organised by Experia Events.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:OCCAR,RSN)