French shipbuilding, support, and services contractor Naval Group has awarded the first long lead contracts for France's next generation of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) under the Sous-marin Nucléaire Lanceur d'Engins de 3e Génération (SNLE 3G) programme.
The SNLE 3G submarines will replace the French Navy's current Le Triomphant-class SSBNs. (Naval Group)
A class of four SNLE 3G submarines is planned to replace the current Le Triomphant-class SSBNs and ensure that the French Navy can continue to maintain a continuous at-sea deterrent. The lead boat is scheduled to enter service in 2035, with the three follow-on submarines to be delivered at five-year intervals thereafter.
The Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) is managing the SNLE 3G programme in partnership with the Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives energy commission. At the industrial level, Naval Group and nuclear group TechnicAtome are working as co-prime contractors: Naval Group is taking responsibility for the submarine design, build, and integration, while TechnicAtome is responsible for the development and production of the new K22 pressurised water reactor.
In a 30 June statement, Naval Group said it had now concluded a series of study and supply contracts with four strategic suppliers intended to mobilise the supply chain, assure the detailed design phase, and procure critical long lead items for the pressure hull and reactor compartment. These activities are intended to support the planned start of manufacture of the first SNLE 3G submarine at Naval Group's Cherbourg site in 2023.
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