The contract is the largest in the 150-years history of WASS
Fincantieri, through its subsidiary WASS Submarine Systems, a leader in the design and development of advanced underwater defense systems, has secured a significant order from the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the supply of MU90 Lightweight Torpedoes. With a total value exceeding 200 million euros, the agreement represents the largest contract in WASS’ 150-years history and a new record in its order acquisition after the recent one with the Indian Navy.
The contract signing was announced during the 2026 World Defence Show exhibition, currently taking place in Riyadh, by Andrea Adorni, CEO of WASS, and Ibrahim bin Ahmed al-Suwayed, HE. Deputy Minister of Armaments and Procurement from the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Also attending were Dr. Khalid Bin Hussien AlBayari, H.E. Assistant Minister of Executive Affaires of the Saudi Ministry of Defense, and Fincantieri’s CEO and Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero.
The program will be managed by WASS facility in Livorno, a recognized center of excellence in underwater systems, and foreseen deliveries between 2029 and 2030.
The MU90 torpedo, leader of the third generation of Lightweight Torpedoes (LWTs), is already in service with the navies of Italy and of more than 10 other countries. Designed and built with the most advanced technology, it is conceived to cope with any-task, any-environment capability requirements and address the most demanding anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operational needs. The MU90 torpedo can be deployed by a wide range of platforms, including surface vessels, fixed or rotary wing aircraft, representing product leadership in the underwater defense sector.
In addition to the torpedoes, the contract also includes the supply of logistic support service for the RSNF. This operation is the first contract signed by WASS directly with the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – a key market for Fincantieri – and lays the foundation for future cross-selling synergies.
This agreement represents a pivotal achievement in the Group’s expanding presence in Saudi Arabia and further consolidates its strategic positioning within the Kingdom. Following the opening in 2024 of Fincantieri Arabia for Naval Services in Riyadh, the Group has strengthened its regional footprint and reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country. Alongside this new order, Fincantieri continues to build on established partnerships with leading Saudi institutions, including the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), further reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the development of Saudi Arabia’s maritime and industrial capabilities.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said: “This contract represents a milestone for WASS and for the entire Fincantieri Group. It confirms the technological excellence and reliability of our underwater systems, as well as our ability to operate as a trusted partner in highly strategic and complex defense programs. This achievement concretely accelerates our industrial presence in Saudi Arabia, a key market for the Group, and embodies our long-term commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s forthcoming naval capabilities through advanced solutions, industrial cooperation and sustained local engagement with and end-to-end approach.”
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