On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the third day of World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, the Italian company WASS Submarine Systems, part of Fincantieri (Cantieri Navali Italiani), signed a record contract in its 150-year history worth more than 200 million EUR with the Saudi Ministry of Defense for the delivery of 324 mm EuroTorp MU90 Impact lightweight torpedoes.
Photo: Fincantieri – Cantieri Navali Italiani
It was emphasized that the value of the order exceeds the recent contract with India for 48 Black Shark Advanced heavy torpedoes signed on December 30, 2025, also described as being worth over 200 million EUR, which are to be delivered for Kalvari-class submarines (alongside EHWT torpedoes).
The signing of the agreement with Saudi Arabia was announced by Andrea Adorni, President of WASS Submarine Systems, and His Excellency Ibrahim bin Ahmed Al-Suwayed, Deputy Minister of Armament and Procurement at the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Dr. Khalid Bin Hussein AlBayari, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Defense, as well as Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri.
The program will be managed by WASS’s research center in Livorno, a recognized center of excellence in underwater systems, with deliveries scheduled for 2029–2030.
The MU90 Impact torpedo is one of the most advanced third-generation lightweight torpedoes. Designed and built using state-of-the-art technologies, the MU90 is a fire-and-forget torpedo developed to meet the operational requirements of 21st-century anti-submarine warfare. The MU90 can be deployed from a wide range of platforms, including surface vessels, maritime patrol aircraft, and anti-submarine warfare helicopters, positioning it as a leading solution in the underwater warfare sector.
MU90 Impact torpedo / Photo: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna
The MU90 Impact torpedo system is currently in service with more than 10 countries, including the navies of France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Egypt, Morocco, and Denmark, with Greece and Ukraine expected to join them in the future. Between 2001 and 2012, a total of 18 units were delivered to the Polish Navy, with additional torpedoes planned to arm the Miecznik-class frigates.
In addition to torpedoes, the contract with Saudi Arabia also includes the provision of logistical support services for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF). This operation marks the first contract signed by WASS Submarine Systems directly with the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a key market for Fincantieri, and lays the groundwork for future cross-selling synergies.
The agreement represents a major milestone in Fincantieri’s expanding presence in Saudi Arabia and further strengthens its strategic position in the Kingdom. Following the opening in 2024 of Fincantieri Arabia for maritime services in Riyadh, the Italian group has reinforced its regional footprint and confirmed its long-term commitment to the country. In addition to this new order, Fincantieri continues to build established partnerships with leading Saudi institutions, including the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), further strengthening 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.”
It is worth noting that on January 3, 2025, the United States Department of State approved a potential sale to Saudi Arabia of a batch of 324 mm Mark 54 MAKO Mod 0 lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes, with a maximum estimated value of 78.5 million USD.
Through our subsidiary WASS Submarine Systems, we have secured a significant order from the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the supply of MU90 Lightweight Torpedoes. The contract signing was announced during the 2026 World Defence Show exhibition in Riyadh… pic.twitter.com/GYwIn9OBaR
— Fincantieri (@Fincantieri) February 10, 2026