French submarines are operated by the French Navy as part of the French Submarine Forces. These vessels are equipped to nuclear power and are used in a wide range of tasks including escorting others submarines, performing maritime-to-land war with naval cruise missiles and discrete intelligence gathering.
The French naval policy has seen a dramatic shift in the last 50 years. 1964 saw a reorganization at the command. The commander at the top established a program to replace slowly all of the fleet. This required a re-evaluation of the submarine needs in order to match their assigned missions. In addition, a new approach was adopted to the design and construction of the submarines. The snorkel adaptation is one of the key features.
The French Navy was planning to replace the conventional submarines it had built with atomic hunters submarines in 1975. Nuclear-powered submarines would be designed and built in France using a single production line. They are the world's most powerful vessels. In 1970, the first submarine powered by nuclear energy was built. The third will follow in 1976.
From World War I to the present, the French Navy has fielded almost 70 submarines. Many of them were lost in the conflict. However, many French submarines were able continue their service in the occupied Europe. Some were assigned to anti-submarine training in Africa, while others served in the Mediterranean.
During World War II, the French submarines were involved in numerous unconventional operations. They dropped supplies and agents to the resistance in occupied Europe. A few submarines were used in the Western Atlantic as training boats.
Nine French submarines became operational on May 8, 1945. Nine French submarines were operational on May 8, 1945. Eight were first-class submarines and one was a reconnaissance sub. Seven submarines of second class were also present. Most were towed to Bermuda and Key West, Florida, where they trained with the United States Navy.
In the 1970s two submarine squadrons were created from diesel-powered submarines. FOSt was later merged with two Agosta classes vessels. LE GLORIEUX was another Agosta-class ship that was retired from Navy to conduct combat patrols in Mediterranean.
The French submarines have been in service for over 30 year, despite being considered obsolete. As technology has improved, submarines are now being used in new ways. French Navy is reviewing its needs to ensure it meets its future requirements.
The French submarine force currently consists of approximately 25,000 tons. Most of these are 1500-ton class. A new generation of submarines, the Suffren class, is being developed by the French Naval Group, which will replace the existing Rubis-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. It will measure 325 ft in length and be able to carry 5,181 tons of weight. A dry-deck shelter will be provided, which allows divers access to the submarine from below.
The new Suffren class submarines will protect Charles de Gaulle's aircraft carrier strike force, as well other French nuclear submarines. It will also serve two new missions: sea-to land warfare and discrete intelligence gathering.