For The First Time In 3 Decades France Has Put Three Of Its Four Ballistic Missile Submarines To Sea At The Same Time

The Triomphant class SSBN Le Terrible  

Warzone/The Drive: France Has Increased Its Ballistic Missile Submarine Patrols For The First Time In Decades 

France's revised nuclear deterrence posture comes as nuclear threats from Russia have become especially concerning due to its actions in Ukraine. 

For the first time in around 30 years, France has put three of its four ballistic missile submarines, or SSBNs, to sea at the same time, according to reports in the local media. Normally, just one of the Triomphant class SSBNs, each of which can be armed with up to 16 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), with multiple warheads, is on patrol at any given time. The significant uptick in French nuclear deterrence activity seems to be intended as a signal to Russia at a time of unprecedented tensions in Europe, including fears that nuclear weapons could be part of the Kremlin’s plans as its campaign in Ukraine stutters. 

The Telegramme, the newspaper serving the Breton port city of Brest, where the Triomphant class is based, reported the development, confirming that two additional SSBNs had departed their base on the Île Longue peninsula. These then joined a third Triomphant class boat that was already on patrol, likely in the Atlantic where they normally operate. The French Navy has neither confirmed nor denied the report.  

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WNU Editor: I am sure other countries will follow (if not already) this French nuclear-armed submarine deployment.