France Launches New Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine

France Launches New Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine

Source: @defense_gouv/Twitter

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday launched the first of a new fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines.

The 99-meter (325-foot) Suffren submarine is the first of the Barracuda-class series, designed to replace the Rubis-class generation. 

The French government has placed an order for six of the 5,000-ton submarines made by Naval Group. The French navy expects to take delivery of the Suffren for sea trials in 2020 and the remainder will enter service over the following decade.

Naval Group advertised the Suffren as having a high degree of stealth and for its ability to fire cruise missiles at faraway targets.

 

[Sources: Defense News, EuroNews, The Fefense Post]

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