Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, the Chief of Staff of the French Navy, has made an exciting announcement: the nuclear attack submarine Duguay-Trouin, a marvel of modern marine technology, has officially joined the active service ranks.
The Duguay-Trouin: A Peek Into the Future
The Duguay-Trouin is of the Suffren [or Barracuda] type. Compared to its predecessors, it boasts enhanced speed, endurance, versatility, and discreteness. Replacing the Rubis, which currently awaits dismantlement in Cherbourg, the Duguay-Trouin is expected to perform the same missions but with superior capabilities. It is indeed a powerful addition to the French navy's arsenal.
Advanced Capabilities and Special Features
The Duguay-Trouin differs from other submarines with its new and improved capabilities. Notably, it's equipped with a naval cruise missile [MdCN] which enhances land attack capacity. As such, it is expected to carry out four types of missions, including the protection of naval air groups, intelligence gathering, and the deployment of marine commandos. Deep strike with MdCN is now a possibility too.
A Journey of Rigorous Testing
The newly inducted submarine went through a rigorous testing phase before it was admitted to active service. Sea trials began in March 2023 that involved navigating in diverse conditions, from cold to warm waters. A notable highlight of this period was the submarine's stop in Fort-de-France, Martinique, in March 2024, during its long-term deployment [DLD].
A Lineage of Superior Submarines
Notably, the Suffren series of submarines to which the Duguay-Trouin belongs, has a notable history. The first submarine of this series, the Suffren, replaced the Saphir which was decommissioned in 2019. With the Duguay-Trouin now in active service, the legacy of top-notch marine technology continues.