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French SSK (Post-1945)

Roland Morillot Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Roland Morillot was formerly the Type XXI boat U2518, handed over in 1946.

Narval Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Narvals were the first French postwar submarines and were based on the German Type XXI design. All were refitted between 1966 and 1970, gaining new engines and sensors.

Arethuse Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Arethuses are the smallest modern submarines built by France and were intended to operate mainly in the confines of the Mediterranean.

Daphne Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Daphnes were a development of the Arethuse design. All exceeded their design requirements on trials. The survivors were all refitted with new electronics in the 1970s. Minerve, Eurydice and Flore were lost, Flore later being raised and recommissioned. The losses may have been connected with the snorkel. These accidents effectively removed from the market what was a popular export model.

Agosta Class

Data History & Modifications Pictures

The Agostas were a completely new design, with fewer torpedo tubes and more modern electronics than their predecessors. Two boats were ordered by South Africa, but a UN arms embargo prevented this and they were resold to Pakistan. With Frances stated aim of an all nuclear submarine fleet, the Agostas are likely to be the last diesel electrics built for them.