Saudi Arabia continues talks with Fincantieri on Todaro-class to acquire first submarines.

Saudi Arabia remains in talks with Fincantieri to purchase Todaro-class/Type 212A diesel-electric attack submarines, as part of a long-standing effort to acquire its first-ever submarine force.

As reported by Tactical Report on January 21, 2026, Saudi Arabia continues to discuss with Italy’s Fincantieri regarding Todaro-class submarines, also known as the Type 212A. Saudi Arabia currently operates no submarines, meaning that any acquisition would involve the creation of a new naval force branch and require extended timelines for training, infrastructure, and integration.
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The Type 212A submarine, also known as the Todaro-class, was created in the mid-1990s as a joint program between Germany and Italy to replace aging submarines such as the German Type 206 and the Italian Sauro-class. (Picture source: U.S. Navy)

The interest fits into a longer timeline in which Saudi Arabia has examined acquiring submarines since at least the mid-2010s, without concluding a procurement. Saudi Arabia currently operates no submarines, which means any acquisition would represent the creation of a new force branch rather than a fleet replacement. The Todaro-class designation is generally used to describe export-oriented concepts derived from German Type-212A design principles, rather than a formally standardized class in Saudi service. These discussions reflect an assessment that submarines would add intelligence, deterrence, and sea-denial options in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. They also highlight the scale of institutional, technical, and training changes required to absorb such a capability. The issue, therefore, extends beyond hull selection, as the transition would likely take many years from contract signature to initial operational capability.

The Type 212A submarine, also known as the Todaro-class, was created in the mid-1990s as a joint program between Germany and Italy to replace aging submarines such as the German Type 206 and the Italian Sauro-class. Development work formally began in 1996, with contracts for the first batch signed in 1998. The program aimed to introduce a new generation of diesel-electric submarines optimized for post-Cold War missions, including coastal surveillance, intelligence collection, and sea denial in shallow waters. The first unit, the U-31, was launched in 2002 and entered service with the German Navy in 2005, followed by Italian units from 2006 onward. Over time, the Type 212A became the technical basis for several variants, such as the Type 212CD (Common Design), jointly developed by Germany and Norway, the Type 214, which replaces the non-magnetic steel hull with conventional steel to ease export constraints and slightly increases size and endurance, and the Type 209NG, which incorporate several technologies influenced by the Type 212.

Production of the Type 212A has been spread over more than two decades, reflecting incremental procurement and upgrades rather than a single large batch. Germany initially ordered four submarines, followed by additional boats and modernization-related contracts signed in the 2010s and early 2020s, bringing the total planned German fleet to six units. Italy ordered four submarines, with construction shared between Germany's Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) and Italy's Fincantieri. Production cycles for each boat typically span 5 to 7 years; the construction phase from keel laying to launch usually takes about 30 to 36 months, followed by 12 to 24 months of outfitting, harbor trials, sea trials, and crew training before formal acceptance. When ordered as part of a multi-boat batch, later units can be delivered slightly faster, but even then, total timelines rarely fall below about 5 years per hull.

These vessels are the world's first air-independent submarines whose underwater propulsion system is based on hydrogen fuel cells, namely Siemens' proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The Type 212A/Todaro-class submarine uses a non-magnetic austenitic steel pressure hull specifically selected to reduce susceptibility to magnetic anomaly detection systems and influence mines, a feature that directly differentiates it from export variants such as the Type 214. Acoustic signature reduction is achieved through raft-mounted diesel generators, extensive elastic isolation of machinery, and the use of a seven-bladed low-cavitation propeller optimized for low-speed submerged operations. Hull coatings include anechoic tiles designed to absorb active sonar emissions and reduce self-noise transmission, while the infrared signature reduction is supported indirectly by minimizing snorkeling frequency and limiting exhaust plume exposure.

The submarine's propulsion combines MTU diesel generators, large-capacity lead-acid battery banks, and a Siemens-developed polymer electrolyte membrane hydrogen fuel-cell air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, for a maximum submerged speed of about 20 knots. This AIP architecture enables several weeks of submerged operations at low speed without atmospheric oxygen intake, as the fuel cell system generates its electrical power without combustion. For the Type 212A, the total range on diesel power with snorkeling is typically cited in the 8,000 to 12,000-kilometer range at economical speed. The internal layout emphasizes automation through integrated machinery control systems and centralized monitoring, allowing normal operations with a crew of approximately 25 to 35 personnel, including officers, operators, and technical specialists.

The weapons configuration of the Type 212A is centered on six 533 mm torpedo tubes located in the bow. These tubes are compatible with 12 to 13 heavyweight torpedoes used for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, or a mixed load of torpedoes and naval mines, depending on mission requirements. The combat system of the Type 212A/Todaro-class emphasizes passive engagement, relying on sonar data rather than active emissions to support targeting. German and Italian vessels are also equipped with inertial navigation systems combined with GPS updates when at periscope depth. Depth-keeping and maneuvering systems are tuned for precise control at low speed and low depth, supporting operations close to the seabed. Survivability is enhanced through compartmentalization, automated damage control systems, and redundant electrical distribution. Acoustic discretion is maintained through speed limits, machinery isolation thresholds, and energy-management profiles embedded in the control software.

Regarding dimensions and displacement, the Type 212A has an overall length of 56 meters, a beam of 7 meters, and a draught close to 6.4 meters. Submerged displacement is typically between 1,500 and 1,900 tonnes, depending on national configuration and onboard equipment fit, while surfaced displacement is lower, generally cited in the 1,450-tonne range. For Saudi Arabia, the Todaro-class would introduce a credible submarine threat against high-value naval units operating in regional waters. As a reduced snorkeling frequency lowers exposure to detection by aircraft and surface ships, this would greatly enhance the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ long-duration patrols near chokepoints, sea lanes, or areas of strategic interest, which is particularly relevant in the Middle East, where air and surface surveillance density is high.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.