Image source: topwar.ru
France has launched a program to build a series of nuclear submarines of the next, 3rd generation, which in the future should replace the strategic submarines of the Triomphant class in service. Steel cutting for the first submarine took place on March 20 at the Naval Group shipyard in Cherbourg (Normandy).
The timing of the official laying of the submarine has not yet been announced, but the assembly of sections is planned for 2026-2027, launching in the early 2030s and transfer to the fleet after 2035. In total, the French plan to build four SNLE-3G (3 Generation) submarines, which should provide nuclear deterrence until the 80s.
– said Pierre Eric Pommelle, CEO of Naval Group.
Image source: topwar.ru
The new SNLE 3G (3 Génération) program, which aims to develop the next third generation of SSBMS, started in 2017, the research stage was completed in 2021, after which work on the technical project began. According to French media, the new submarine will be similar to the previous generation Triomphant submarines, but with a larger displacement. The submarine will carry 16 ballistic missiles and have four torpedo tubes for its own protection.