French submarines are under the control of the French Navy. These vessels have nuclear power and can be used for a variety of tasks such as escorting subs, performing sea to land warfare with naval cruise missiles, or discreet intelligence gathering.
In the last five decades, French naval policy has undergone radical changes. A new policy led to a reorganization of the command in 1964. The top-level commander established a program for gradual fleet replacement. This included reassessing submarine needs to match the missions they were assigned. In addition, a new approach was adopted to the design and construction of the submarines. The snorkel adaptation was an important feature.
By 1975, the French Navy planned to replace conventional submarines with atomic hunter submarines. One production line would be used to produce nuclear-powered submarines. They are among the most powerful vessels in the world. The first nuclear-powered submarine was commissioned in 1970 and the third will be in service by 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, some French submarines were allowed to continue serving in occupied Europe. Some of them were sent to Africa to receive anti-submarine training. Others served in the Mediterranean.
During World War II many unorthodox operations were carried out by French submarines. They dropped supplies, agents, and other materials to the resistance during occupation of Europe. A few submarines were used in the Western Atlantic as training boats.
Nine French submarines were operational on the 8th May 1945. The first-class submarines of eight were in operation, while the reconnaissance submarine was one. There were also seven second-class submarines. Most were towed to Bermuda and Key West, Florida, where they trained with the United States Navy.
In the 1970s, diesel powered submarines were split into two squadrons. FOSt was able to integrate two vessels of the Agosta-class until their retirement. Another Agosta-class vessel, LE GLORIEUX, was withdrawn from the Navy for combat patrols in the Mediterranean.
The French submarines have been in service for over 30 year, despite being considered obsolete. Submarines have become more useful as technology improves. The French Navy is now reassessing its requirements to meet future needs.
The French submarine force is currently composed of around 25,000 tons. A majority of them are 1500 ton-class. French Naval Group is currently developing the Suffren class submarines. These will replace existing Rubis-class nuclear -powered attack submarines. It will measure 325 feet in length and weigh 5,181 tons. 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 be used for both sea-to-land warfare and discreet intelligence gathering.