Carlo Fecia di Cossato was laid down at Fincantieri Monfalcone Shipyard on 15 November 1975 and launched on 16 November 1977. She was commissioned on 5 November 1979.
She was decommissioned on 30 April 2002. From 1 April 2005, she began disarmament while moored at La Spezia and she is expected to undergo restoration where she will be transferred to Trieste serve as a museum ship in their old port. The sister submarine, Nazario Sauro was destined for a similar role and was transferred on 18 September 2009 to be exhibited at the Galata - Museum of the sea in Genoa as an integral part of the museum.Carlo Fecia di Cossato was sold for scrap 2023.