French Nuclear Submarine Rubis Prepared for Launch

In France, the nuclear submarine Rubis, the fifth in the Suffren class, was moved from the construction hall to a special launch site.

The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) reported this.

This stage took place on October 16 at the Naval Group shipyard in Cherbourg. The submarine is scheduled to be launched in 2027.

After its launch, the submarine will undergo sea trials before joining the French Navy. The Rubis is scheduled to be handed over to the fleet in 2028.

The Rubis is part of the Barracuda program, which calls for the construction of six Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarines.

They are intended to replace the previous-generation Rubis-class submarines, which the French Navy began receiving in the 1980s.

The French nuclear-powered submarine Rubis was ordered on May 7, 2018, as part of the Barracuda program, which calls for the construction of six Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarines for the French Navy.

At the same time, Naval Group is developing a separate Orka project for the Netherlands based on the Barracuda family, which also includes the French Suffren-class submarines.

On September 30, 2024, the Netherlands signed a contract with the French company to deliver four Orka submarines. They are intended to replace the previous-generation Walrus-class submarines, which the Dutch Navy has been operating since the 1990s.

Unlike the nuclear-powered Suffren-class submarines, the Dutch submarines will not have a nuclear propulsion system. The project calls for modern battery systems.

Dutch industry will also be involved in the program. Local companies will supply hull structures, living quarters modules, hydraulic systems, and other equipment. The Dutch side has allocated approximately 1 billion euros in orders for its own companies.

Under the plan, the Dutch Navy is set to receive the first submarine in 2033 and the last by 2037.

Specifications:

Displacement: 4,700 metric tons on the surface and 5,300 metric tons submerged.
Length: 99 m.
Hull diameter: 8.8 m.
Maximum speed: approximately 25 knots (46 km/h) submerged.
Maximum diving depth: over 300 m.
Endurance: approximately 70 days.
Crew: 65 sailors; the submarine can also carry special operations forces.
Propulsion system: YASU, K15 reactor.

Armament:

Torpedo armament: F21 heavy torpedoes for engaging submarines and surface ships.
Anti-ship armament: Exocet SM39 missiles.
Strike armament: MdCN sea-launched cruise missiles for engaging land targets at long range.
Additional armament: sea mines.
Torpedo tubes: four 533-mm torpedo tubes.