Rubis-class

Summary

Description

The Rubis-class submarines are nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) operated by the French Navy. Initially projected to include eight units, only six were ultimately completed, with the first entering service in 1983 and the last in 1993. Budget reductions following the Cold War led to the cancellation of the two additional planned units. This class of submarines, notably smaller than their contemporaries, was based on the Agosta-class' system designs, which are conventionally powered. Despite their size, they were commissioned due to the development of a compact nuclear reactor and turbo-electric drives, allowing for their diminutive dimensions.

The Rubis-class submarines experienced issues with noise, which led to substantial improvements in the latter two units of the class under the AMÉTHYSTE program. This program reshaped the hulls, used glass-reinforced plastic for the bow and superstructure, and employed flexible mountings for machinery to mitigate the noise issues. Post-modification, the last two ships and the retrofitted early four vessels, were almost indistinguishable. These boats were equipped with a CAS-48 pressurized water reactor generating 48 megawatts, driving two turbo-alternator sets and a single propeller—resulting in a cruising speed of 25 knots and an endurance of 45 days. They could accommodate a crew of 66, including 9 officers. Armament consisted of four 533-millimeter torpedo tubes that could house a mixture of torpedoes and SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. The submarines also possessed comprehensive electronic warfare, navigation, and sonar systems.

Operational history highlights include the Rubis collision with an oil tanker in 1993 and the AMÉTHYSTE rebuild program starting in 1989, which upgraded all submarines to a noise-reduced standard. Noteworthy exercises include the sinking of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during the 1998 Péan inter-allied maneuvers by Casabianca and Saphir's successful engagement of the USS Theodore Roosevelt during COMPTUEX 2015. In June 2020, Perle faced a significant fire incident, leading to the decision to repair her using parts from the decommissioned Saphir.

The class is being replaced by the new generation Suffren-class submarines as of 2020. As part of the transition, three Rubis-class submarines have been decommissioned between 2019 and 2023.

The Rubis-class also gained international attention when Canada considered acquiring them or the British Trafalgar-class submarines in the 1980s for asserting Arctic sovereignty and building a three-ocean navy. However, concerns over the initial noise levels, construction location, and costs, coupled with the end of the Cold War, led to the cancellation of Canada's acquisition plans in April 1989.

Operating exclusively with the French Navy, all six Rubis-class submarines were historically based at Toulon as part of the Escadrille de sous-marins nucléaires d'attaque. Their presence reinforced France's maritime capabilities until their gradual replacement with the advanced Suffren-class boats.

Technical specifications

Photo of Rubis class

Silhouette