6:55
France's newest attack submarine is designed to hunt underwater and engage surface targets at distances of over 1,000 km while remaining submerged. Rubis, the fifth Suffren-class submarine, will provide the French Navy with improved stealth, endurance, and strike range. But what makes it such a significant update and when will it enter service? On October 16, 2026, Rubis, with the tail number S639, was moved from the Naval Group workshop in Cherbourg to the Cassin dock in Normandy. This is an important milestone in the French Barracuda program, which is replacing the aging Rubis-class submarines. However, the submarine has not yet been launched. There is still a lot of work to be done before launch, followed by port inspections and sea trials. These
tests will determine whether the boat is ready for service with the French Navy. So, how does the Suffren class differ from its predecessor? With a length of about 99 m and a submerged displacement of approximately 5,300 tons, it is significantly larger than the older Rubis-class boats. Its nuclear power plant allows it to remain underwater for long periods of time without having to surface for refueling. At the same time, noise reduction technologies help hide its position. This is important because the main advantage of an attack submarine is its ability to operate stealthily. In addition to hunting enemy ships and reconnaissance, the Suffren class can support special forces operations with a crew of around 65
. But secrecy is only part of the equation. The submarine also carries a powerful arsenal of weapons. It includes heavy F21 torpedoes for attacking underwater and surface targets, as well as SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. It can also launch MDCN cruise missiles at ground targets at distances of over 1,000 km. This gives France another tool for delivering high-precision conventional strikes. A submarine can secretly approach the area of operation, launch its weapons, and depart while remaining underwater. Of course, that does n't make him invulnerable. Its effectiveness depends on accurate reconnaissance, mission planning, crew training, and the ability to evade of six planned Suffren-class submarines. Three have already entered service, and
Duguay-Trouin was handed over in June 2026. The last submarine, the Casabianca, is still under construction. Before joining the fleet, Rubis must undergo port and sea trials. His successes are another step in the modernization of France's submarine fleet. But the real test will be how successful it will be before it enters operational service. Do you believe that the Suffren class provides France with the necessary submarine capabilities for future operations? That's all for today. Thank you for watching.
