French submarines are under the control of the French Navy. These vessels are equipped with nuclear power and are used for a wide variety of tasks including escorting other submarines, performing sea-to-land warfare with naval cruise missiles, and carrying out discreet intelligence gathering.
Over the past 50 years, French naval policies have changed dramatically. 1964 saw a major reorganization of the command. The top-ranking commander created a program of gradual fleet replacement. This included reassessing submarine needs to match the missions they were assigned. A new design and construction approach was used for submarines. One of the most important features was the snorkel adaptation.
The French Navy had plans to replace all conventional submarines by atomic hunter submarines by 1975. French-designed and manufactured nuclear-powered submarines would use a single production facility. They are considered to be the most powerful vessels on the planet. The first nuclear-powered submarine, which was launched in 1970, was completed and will continue to be in service until 1976.
From World War I until the present, almost 70 submarines have been operated by the French Navy. Many were lost during the war. However, a few French submarines were capable of continuing their service in occupied Europe. Some of them were sent to Africa to receive anti-submarine training. Others served in the Mediterranean.
The French submarines played a variety of unconventional roles during World War II. They dropped agents and supplies on the resistance in occupied Europe. Several submarines were also used as training ships in the Western Atlantic.
On 8 May 1945, nine French submarines were operational. 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. They were all towed to Key West and Bermuda, Florida, where they were trained by 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 was another Agosta-class ship that was retired from Navy to conduct combat patrols in Mediterranean.
The French submarines served in service for more than 30 years, despite their history of being obsolete. However, as the technology and techniques have evolved, more and more uses for submarines have been developed. 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. 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 be 325 feet long and 5,181 tonnes in displacement. It will also include a dry deck shelter, which allows divers the ability to get out of the submarine even though they are submerged.
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.