Speaking from the Île Longue ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) base in Brittany, French president Emmanuel Macron revealed that the first of the next generation SSBNs will be known as “Invincible”. The announcement came as part of a highly anticipated address during which the head of state outlined new parameters for the French nuclear deterrence in response to the evolving strategic context.

Previously known as the SNLE-3G (Sous-marin nucléaire lanceur d’engins – 3eme generation for nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine – 3rd generation) which is the programme name, the Invincible-class will succeed the in-service Le Triomphant-class SSBN. Speaking with Triomphant-class SSBN Le Temeraire as a backdrop, President Macron also announced that first-in-class boat Invincible will sail in 2036.

Full scale development of the SNLE-3G was launched in February 2021. Steel cutting on the first submarine took place in March 2024. French shipbuilder Naval Group expects to start assembling the various sections of the first submarine around 2026-2027 ahead of a launch in the early 2030ies and a delivery to the French Navy “after” 2035 (exact year is still confidential at this stage). The four submarines are expected to ensure the French sea-based nuclear deterrent until the 2080ies.

At first glance the new submarine is similar in size and form to the current Le Triomphant-class. But it is an entirely new design and is actually almost 10 meters (30 ft) longer (about 150 meters in length, 15,000+ tons displacement submerged, but official figures are still classified). The crew complement (110 sailors), number of SLBM silos (16x) and torpedo tubes (4x) will remain unchanged compared to the in-service Le Triomphant-class.

One of the main takeaway of Emmanuel Macron speech is that France will increase its nuclear weapons stockpile.

“The evolution of our competitors’ defences, the emergence of regional power, the possibility of coordination between adversaries and the risks associated with proliferation… All this, after careful consideration, leads us to the conclusion that a stenghtening of our arsenal is essential” the French president said during his address.

The head of state announced that he has ordered an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in the French arsenal, but from now on, these numbers won’t be communicated “unlike what had been done in the past”, “to put an end to any speculation”.

Macron also shed light on the role of French nuclear deterrence in Europe and unveiled the “advanced deterrence” concept:

“Our security has never been conceived solely within the limits of our territory, whether conventional or nuclear,” he emphasized, “A new phase of French deterrence can therefore take shape. We are embarking on what I would call advanced deterrence.”

“There will also be no sharing of the definition of vital interests, which will remain a matter of sovereign judgment for our country,” Emmanuel Macron clarified, using the term “vital interests” of France, which are deliberately left undefined to complicate the calculations of the adversary, to prevent them from exploiting a potential red line.

This “advanced deterrence,” announced by Emmanuel Macron“will strengthen our defense by giving it greater scope.”

“It will offer it a new strategic depth, consistent with the security challenges in Europe. Its value will, I believe, also be very strong for the partners who join us in this approach and whose territory will gain a stronger link with our deterrent,” he argued, specifying that this mission “would be in addition to NATO’s nuclear mission.”

Emmanuel Macron assures that this European project “was developed in full transparency with the United States of America and in close coordination with the United Kingdom.”

“Advanced deterrence is a gradual approach.” “It offers partners the opportunity to participate in deterrence exercises,” the President of the Republic explained. “It will allow for the deployment of strategic force elements to our allies as needed,” he added.

Eight European countries have agreed to participate in the “advanced deterrence” proposed by France: Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark will participate in the “support” component, that is, the conventional part of the exercise. These countries will notably be able to host “strategic air forces” from the French Air Force, which will thus be able to “disperse deep into the European continent” to “complicate the calculations of our adversaries,” Macron explained.

“Advanced deterrence” could also involve signaling, meaning the demonstration of nuclear capabilities, “including beyond our strict borders,” or even “the conventional participation of allied forces in our nuclear activities,” Macron added. “This winter, senior British officials attended, for the first time since the establishment of our deterrent, one of our strategic air force exercises,” Emmanuel Macron noted.

The post Future French Ballistic Missile Submarines will be named Invincible-class appeared first on Naval News.

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• Naval News: Future French Ballistic Missile Submarines will be named Invincible-class