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 top-ranking commander created a program of gradual fleet replacement. This involved reevaluating the submarines' needs to meet the assigned missions. The design and construction of submarines was changed to reflect this change. The snorkel adaptation was one of the most important features.
The French Navy was planning to replace the conventional submarines it had built with atomic hunters submarines in 1975. The nuclear-powered submarines would all be built in France by a single production line. They are among the most powerful vessels in the world. In 1970, the first submarine powered by nuclear energy was built. The third will follow in 1976.
From World War I to today, the French Navy have fielded nearly 70 submarines. Many of these were lost in World War I. However, several French submarines were still able to serve in occupied Europe. Some were used in Africa as anti-submarine trainers, while others saw action in the Mediterranean.
The French submarines played a variety of unconventional roles during World War II. For instance, they dropped agents and supplies to the resistance in occupied Europe. Some submarines also served as training vessels in the Western Atlantic.
On 8 May 1945, nine French submarines were operational. The first-class submarines of eight were in operation, while the reconnaissance submarine was one. Seven submarines of second-class were also available. Most were towed to Bermuda and Key West, Florida, where they trained with the United States Navy.
In the 1970s, diesel-powered submarines were divided into two submarine squadrons. Two Agosta-class vessels were integrated into FOSt until their retirement. LE GLORIEUX a second Agosta-class vessel was withdrawn by the Navy to perform combat patrols across the Mediterranean.
The French submarines have been in service for over 30 year, despite being considered obsolete. Submarines are increasingly used as technology advances. French Navy is reviewing its needs to ensure it meets its future requirements.
The French submarine force has approximately 25,000 tonnage, most of which are 1500 ton. French Naval Group has developed a new class submarine, the Suffren, to replace the Rubis-class nuclear attack submarines. It will have a length 325 feet and a displacement 5181 tons. The submarine will have a dry-deck shelter that allows divers to escape the submerged vessel.
The new Suffren Class submarines will provide protection for the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier strike unit, as also other French nuclear submarines. It will also serve two new missions: sea-to land warfare and discrete intelligence gathering.