France’s Latest 5,200-Ton Nuclear Submarine Hits the Water
The 99-metre Rubis, fifth of six Suffren-class attack submarines, begins final outfitting ahead of sea trials next year.
The French Navy‘s latest nuclear-powered attack submarine, the Rubis (S639), has reached a critical milestone in its construction. As the fifth vessel in the six-strong Suffren-class, the 99-meter submarine left the Naval Group shipyard in Cherbourg on October 16, 2026, marking the transition from structural assembly to final outfitting.
The Rubis now enters a phase of systems integration, where combat and electrical equipment will be installed. Once completed, the submarine will begin sea trials in 2027, though no exact dates have been confirmed. If successful, it will join the French fleet as a replacement for the aging Rubis-class submarines, which have been in service since the 1980s.
Next Steps Before Commissioning: Submarine
The final vessel in the Suffren-class, the Casablanca, is still under construction. The entire program, known as the Barracuda Program, aims to modernize France’s undersea warfare capabilities, ensuring operational effectiveness until at least the mid-21st century.
The Suffren-class introduces significant improvements over its predecessors. Its X-shaped rear rudder, advanced control systems, and pump-jet propulsion reduce operational noise, enhancing stealth. Powered by a nuclear reactor derived from the Le Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarines and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, these submarines achieve speeds of 23-25 knots with an unlimited operational range, constrained only by food supplies, which must be replenished every 70 days.
Advanced Capabilities and Mission Flexibility
With a crew of 60-65 personnel, the Rubis is equipped with four 533 mm torpedo tubes and 20 storage slots for weapons, including F21 heavyweight torpedoes, MdCN land-attack cruise missiles, Exocet SM.39 Block 2 anti-ship missiles, and FG29 naval mines. The submarine also features a dry deck shelter and a mobile docking capsule, allowing for the deployment of special forces and unmanned underwater vehicles.
Designed for combat, surveillance, and intelligence missions, the Suffren-class can also conduct land-attack operations and covert insertions in contested waters. The French Navy plans to maintain the fleet’s technological edge through periodic upgrades, ensuring long-term relevance.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
