France Submarine Capabilities

The French submarine fleet consists of nuclear-propelled attack (SSNs) and ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). France helped pioneer the development of air independent propulsion (AIP) technology, which the state-owned company Naval Group now export along with vessels.¹ The French Navy’s SSBN force is the nucleus of the country’s strategic deterrent as it maintains a continuous presence at-sea.²

Total Submarines in Fleet: 12

• Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs): 4
• Nuclear-Powered attack submarines (SSNs): 8
• Diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs): 0
• Air-independent propulsion (AIP) enabled: 0/10

Submarines

Starting in 1991, all six units from France’s fleet of Le Redoutable-class SSBNs were gradually decommissioned, with the final vessel, L’Inflexible decommissioned in 2008.³ The Triomphant class replaced these submarines starting in 1997. France currently has six nuclear-powered Rubis- and Améthyste-class attack submarines (SSNs) on active duty. However, the new Barracuda-class attack submarines are set to gradually replace the current Rubis- and Améthyste-class vessels, the first of which, the Suffren, was commissioned on November 6, 2020 is due to enter service.⁴ The attack boats’ main task is the protection of France’s SSBN force and carrier group via anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. In addition to traditional sea control and sea denial operations, the attack submarines are tasked with Special Forces deployment; surveillance and intelligence gathering; and missions against piracy, narcotics, and human trafficking.⁵

France currently operates four Le Triomphant-class strategic missile submarines (SSBNs) based at Ile Longue, Brest. The first three Le Triomphant-class submarines carry 16 vertically launched M45 ballistic missiles as well as a TN-71 thermonuclear warhead with six Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs).⁶ These vessels will be progressively adapted to carry 16 M-51 thermonuclear warheads each, with a range of 8,000km by 2018. The final vessel, Le Terrible, entered into service in 2010 and is equipped with 16 new M-51 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) each carrying a nuclear warhead with six MIRVs.⁷ The Le Triomphant-class submarines will be steadily replaced by a third generation of new submarines beginning in 2035.⁸ French systems company Thales has been contracted to design the sonar system for the new fleet, as well as a new antenna system.⁹

France’s draft 2019-2025 military budget includes six new Barracuda-class SSNs, which began design in 2002. Built by Naval Group, the new Barracuda-class features improved communication capabilities and an increased force-projection capability based on cruise missiles.¹⁰ The first of these Barracuda-class SSNs was entered active duty on 3 June 3rd 2022.¹¹ France and Britain have jointly developed the Storm Shadow/Scalp EG cruise missile, which can fulfill this force projection requirement due to its high accuracy and effectiveness against hardened targets.¹²

Ship Biographies

Rubis-Class and Améthyste-Class

France possesses four Rubis-class and two Améthyste-class nuclear-propelled attack submarines (SSNs). The initial design of the Rubis was problematic due to unexpected high noise levels. The French then developed the Améthyste (Amélioration Tactique Hydrodynamique Silence Transmission Ecoute) silencing program which was applied to the design of the fifth (S605) and sixth (S606) Rubis-class submarines. The program also included upgrades to the sonar and electronics system. Once the upgrades were tested and proven, the original four Rubis-class submarines were rebuilt to the same standards of the S605 and S606 between 1989 and 1994.¹³

All of the Rubis-class submarines are 73.6 meters long with a 7.6-meter-wide beam and can travel up to 25 knots when submerged. They can remain submerged for about 60 days without surfacing. Their weapons systems can fire anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.¹⁴

Le Triomphant-Class

France possesses four Le Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). These submarines are 138 meters long with a 12.5-meter-wide beam and can travel over 25 knots when submerged. They can remain submerged for about 60 days without surfacing. Their weapons system can fire anti-ship missiles, sea-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and torpedoes.

Barracuda-Class

France possesses one Barracuda-class nuclear-propelled attack submarine (SSN). The Suffren is the first of six Barracuda-class submarines. It has a surface displacement of 4,700 tons and a diving displacement of 5,100 tons. It is 99 meters in length and has an 8.8 meter diameter. It can dive to depths below 350 meters and is able to travel over 25 knots per hour. It is armed with naval cruise missiles, F21 heavy-weight wire-guided torpedoes, Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles, FG-29 mines, and the D-19 UUV. It is powered by a pressurized water reactor that produces 150 MW. It can endure operations of up to 70 days. The Suffren brings a new level of operational stealth ability to the French navy.¹⁵

Imports

France does not import submarines.

Exports

The French company, Naval Group (formerly DCNS), is the primary naval shipyard for the French Navy and one of the leading international naval suppliers. A state-owned corporation, Naval Group supplies the complete range of conventional and nuclear-propelled submarines and surface vessels as well as maintenance and logistical support. In addition, the company offers integrated command and control and combat systems for its vessels in cooperation with Thales Naval France.¹⁶ Naval Group mainly exports two submarines: The Scorpène-class diesel-electric submarine with optional AIP and the conventionally powered variant of the Barracuda-class nuclear-powered submarines called the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A. The former group of submarines are built for Brazil, Malaysia, India, and Chile.¹⁷

In 1994, Naval Group signed contracts to sell three Agosta 90B diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) to Pakistan. The third ship, commissioned in 2008, was the first vessel equipped with Naval Group’s AIP system, MESMA (Module d’Energie Sous-Marin Autonome).^{18 19} MESMA is based on a closed-cycle steam turbine and can be retrofitted via a plug-in extension during a major overhaul.²⁰ In 1997, Naval Group contracted to sell two vessels of its new Scorpène-class to Chile, the second of which was delivered in 2007.²¹ This was a significant move by Naval Group as it broke into what was traditionally German company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)’s market.²² Naval Group has since received orders for several Scorpène-class vessels from India and Brazil. In 2005, the Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) in Mumbai began construction of six Scorpène-class variants (Kalvari-class) with substantial technology transfer from Naval Group for the Ministry of Defence’s Project 75. The third boat of the Project 75 program was launched from Mumbai in January 2018.²³ In 2008, Naval Group won a bid to supply four diesel-electric Scorpène-class vessels to Brazil.²⁴ Naval Group will also provide the hull for Brazil’s first nuclear-powered submarine, although it will not provide any of the nuclear components.²⁵ In 2016, Naval Group won a bid to replace Australia’s Collins-class boats with twelve Shortfin Barracuda-class submarines. Naval Group is currently assisting the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) in locally building non-nuclear Barracuda-class submarines.²⁶