France's new-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) replacing the aging Rubis class. Displacement of 5,300 tonnes submerged with a crew of 65 — highly automated for reduced manning. Powered by a hybrid propulsion system combining a K15 nuclear reactor with pump-jet propulsor for exceptional acoustic stealth. Armed with F21 heavyweight torpedoes, Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles, and SCALP Naval (MdCN) cruise missiles for strategic land-attack — the first French SSN with this capability. Can deploy special forces via a dry deck shelter. Six boats ordered: Suffren and Duguay-Trouin commissioned, with four more building. Represents a generational leap in French submarine capability.
![Naval Group logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="16" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">NAVAL GROUP</text></svg>)
- Nuclear propulsion truly unlimited endurance
- MdCN land-attack cruise missile 1000km range
- SM39 Exocet anti-ship from submerged
- F21 heavyweight torpedo
- Successor to Rubis with major improvements
- Nuclear maintenance complex and expensive
- Limited to French sovereign control
- Not ITAR-free for export
- Only 6 planned — insufficient for dual presence
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SIGN INMobility cross-country is more operationally significant than top speed on paved surfaces. This platform understands that.
Protection level against contemporary ATGM threats is the defining metric here, and these figures hold up well.