French Defence Procurement Agency conducts trials for future SNLE 3G nuclear submarines.

According to information published by the French MoD on July 4, 2023, the DGA (Defense Procurement Agency) carries out trials for the upcoming third-generation nuclear ballistic missile submarines that will be put into service by the French Navy in the next decade.
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Autonomous model for testing future 3G SSBN submarines. (Picture source: DGA)

For these trials, the DGA has designed, manufactured, and fine-tuned an autonomous model, representative of the future submarines' shape. This model is tested at Lake Bédane to assess the maneuvering performances during the sea rotations of the future SSBNs.

SNLE

The new class of submarines is projected to replace the existing Triomphant class submarines around 2035 and could remain in operation until 2090.

Preliminary studies for the SNLE 3G commenced in 2017, with the detailed design phase kicking off in February 2021. The project is managed by the French defense procurement agency, Direction générale de l'armement, in collaboration with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission.

They expect to build the vessels with the help of Naval Group in Cherbourg and TechnicAtome, utilizing a network of 200 companies and 3,000 employees.

The anticipated cost for the project is around €40 billion, and the design phase is expected to last for approximately five years. Four submarines are planned, a similar number to the Triomphant class, maintaining the capability of having one submarine always at sea, another on standby, and the remaining two undergoing maintenance.

The new submarines are expected to join the fleet from 2035 and continue in service until 2080-2090. The SNLE 3G submarines will be slightly larger and longer than the Triomphant class and will carry enhancements like improved acoustic and magnetic shielding, reducing their detection likelihood.

Each submarine will accommodate around 100 crew members and be armed with 16 M51 nuclear missiles. The SNLE 3G will also feature an X-shaped stern, similar to the Barracuda-class attack submarines, and will be powered by the same K15 nuclear reactor.

In terms of specifications, the new submarines will have an estimated submerged displacement of 15,000 tons, a length of approximately 150 meters, and an installed power of 220 MW.

Their propulsion will be managed by a K22 pressurized water reactor, and their armament will include 16 M51 missiles, each carrying six to ten 100kt thermonuclear warheads, and 533 mm torpedo tubes for F21 torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.