German naval conglomerate Thyssenkrupp and Italian shipbuilding leader Fincantieri have signed an Industrial Cooperation Agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at equipping the Philippine Navy with cutting-edge submarine capability solutions.
Under the Horizon III phase of its military modernization initiative, the Philippine Navy seeks to bolster archipelagic defense by integrating advanced weapon systems. The acquisition of submarines is seen as a strategic game-changer in securing the country’s territorial waters, particularly in the South China Sea.
The collaboration between Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Fincantieri brings together decades of technological expertise to offer the most efficient and competitive solution based on the U212 NFS class submarines—currently under construction by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy.
Beyond delivering submarine technology, the partnership also aims to strengthen local shipbuilding infrastructure and expand the operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy’s fleet.
“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,” said Oliver Burkhard, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
The U212 NFS is an advanced evolution of the HDW Class U212A submarine. Designed with low acoustic, magnetic, and visual signatures, it offers exceptional stealth capabilities and adheres to the highest international standards. TKMS is supplying key technologies and components, including its Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system—first deployed on the U212A and now integral to the U212 NFS.
Additional innovations include the use of Amanox non-magnetic steel and newly enhanced stealth technologies, rendering the U212 NFS virtually undetectable in hostile environments.
Aligned with the Philippine government’s ‘Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act,’ the agreement also supports the development of a new naval base. This infrastructure project will leverage the ship design expertise of both Thyssenkrupp and Fincantieri, drawing on their deep experience and long-standing partnerships with navies around the world.