covert_shores

Research + illustration
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http://www.hisutton.com/SNLE-3G.html
https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/october-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6538-here-is-the-first-image-of-the-french-navy-next-generation-ssbn-snle-3g.html

Expected into service in ~2032. 16 SLBMs, 14,500 tons surfaced.
 

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Good article!

Not sure I'd describe the stern control surfaces as particularly large though, it's merely the aspect ratio (span vs. area) which is markedly different to other designs IMHO. One possible advantage of this configuration is apparent from the beam view drawing: the surfaces probably do not protrude beyond the maximum cross section of the hull - maybe it is intended to be capable of sitting on the sea bed?

Oh, and Columbia class, right ;)
 
Yes, I've noticed that tendency as well! In this particular instance the low aspect ratio may offer a readily apparent explanation, but that doesn't apply to Barracuda et al.
 
From May of last year:

The SNLE 3G is expected to be slightly larger than the Le Triomphant-class, with a submerged displacement of approximately 15,000 tonnes and a crew complement of about 100. As was the case with its predecessor, the SNLE 3G will be fitted with 16 launch tubes and armed with the M51 family of SLBM, as well as with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles (AShMs) for self-defence purposes. The SNLE 3G will, however, have a new sonar suite intended to improve detection and help counter likely increased threats to future submarine operations. The yet-to-be-named class of SSBNs will also be fitted with a new and more powerful reactor, developed from the K15 model which is currently used by both the Le Triomphant-class of SSBNs and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

In the interim period before the SNLE 3G enters service, the French Navy will receive an improved version of the M51, the M51.3, which is due to be introduced in 2025. The missile will use the same warhead design, the Tête nucléaire océanique introduced in 2016, but will feature a revised third stage. France’s current SLBM, the M51.2, employs a solid-propellant third stage from the earlier M45 SLBM. The upgraded solid-propellant motor will likely increase the M51.3’s range beyond the reported 6,000 kilometre+ range of the M51.2, although the extent of this increase has not been made public. An M51 missile was tested on 28 April 2021 by the French Directorate of Armaments (DGA), which is responsible for developing and procuring France’s new SLBM. The test launch was conducted from a submerged platform at the DGA’s Essais de missiles site in the Landes region.

As for the further planned SLBM upgrade in the form of the M51.4, while there has been little public mention of this upgrade, part of the rationale for its development may be to try to ensure that the SLBM is capable of beating projected ballistic-missile defences. One option to help achieve this aim could include upgrading the M51’s current post-boost vehicle (PBV), which is derived from the earlier M45 SLBM. PBVs are small liquid-fuelled propulsion systems that can be used by missiles with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle payloads to release the warheads during the terminal phase of flight, allowing them to follow separate trajectories and thus to strike at different targets. An upgraded PBV could complicate an adversary’s missile defences through more dispersed targeting options, while providing the submarine-based nuclear force with greater targeting flexibility.

Of course, the current situation is likely to have changed the schedule a fair bit.
 
I realized only recently that, because of Brexit, France is now the only nuclear deterrent country in the European Union. Sounds so weird...
 
I realized only recently that, because of Brexit, France is now the only nuclear deterrent country in the European Union. Sounds so weird...
Not quite true, there are about 100 weapons built in the US but available to European use under the NATO nuclear sharing agreements. France is the only nuclear deterrent in the EU independent of the US.
 
Not quite true, there are about 100 weapons built in the US but available to European use under the NATO nuclear sharing agreements. France is the only nuclear deterrent in the EU independent of the US.
100 weapons…U.S….available to European use under Nato nuclear sharing agreements. That is to day under US key for use; you agreed that in you last phrase.
 
Dang... you're right, should have said "independant". Maybe I'm just anticipating next year, when Mr Tangerine man will destroy NATO... (better no to go political !)
 
Dang... you're right, should have said "independant". Maybe I'm just anticipating next year, when Mr Tangerine man will destroy NATO... (better no to go political !)
In fact even prior to Brexit, France's deterrent has been for decades the only independent European nuclear deterrent.
 
In fact even prior to Brexit, France's deterrent has been for decades the only independent European nuclear deterrent.

The British at Nassau expressly fought a NATO dual key control of their Polaris missiles (the europeanists doomed MLF). A case could be make their nuclear deterrent was halfway between NATO and France. The submarines were british, the missiles were americans but they had control over them nonetheless.
That's my understanding of the thing.
 
A British Prime Minister can launch the missiles whenever they want (with or without US approval), and although the missiles are assigned to NATO, the UK can veto the use of UK Trident in any NATO retaliation, so it's independent in those terms at least.

Obviously if you're worried about the dependence on the US for manufacturing, spares, maintainence etc then it isn't independent in those terms.
 
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