ECA Group and TechnicAtome partner on next-gen French nuclear subs
Rendering of the third-generation SNLE 3G SSBN for the French Navy. (Photo: Naval Group)
ECA Group will produce onboard electrical systems for next-generation French SSBNs.
ECA Group and TechnicAtome are poised to implement a partnership to produce onboard electrical systems for the SNLE 3G programme to develop the third generation of French Navy nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
The two companies announced an agreement on 4 October.
‘This is the beginning of a long partnership. We will provide power conversion solutions adapted to a demanding and constrained environment,’ said Dominique Giannoni, CEO of ECA Group.
SNLE 3G boats will replace the SNLE NG Triomphant class between the 2030s and 2040s. The programme was launched in February 2021 and will see Naval Group act as the main prime contractor in a joint venture with TechnicAtome.
Shephard Defence Insight estimates that the programme to continue the French at-sea nuclear deterrent will cost more than $35 billion.
The SNLE 3G partnership is part of a wider collaboration between TechnicAtome and ECA Group.
The latter already equips Suffren-class nuclear attack submarines in service and under construction, as well as the Triomphant-class SSBNs.
The reactors aboard nuclear-powered French submarines, including the future SNLE 3G boats, are designed by TechnicAtome.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Indonesia commissions next KCR-60M missile boats and constructs new OPVs]()
Indonesia commissions next KCR-60M missile boats and constructs new OPVs
Indonesian is building two OPVs, and two additional missile boats were recently commissioned as well.
-
![MBDA, Italian Navy detail development of Teseo Mk2/E missile]()
MBDA, Italian Navy detail development of Teseo Mk2/E missile
The new missile, which incorporates land-attack capabilities, is the latest evolution of the Otomat/Teseo anti-ship weapon family and is set to replace the legacy Mk2/A version in service with the Italian Navy.
-
![Contenders for Malaysia’s LMS Batch 2 tender emerge at LIMA 2023]()
Contenders for Malaysia’s LMS Batch 2 tender emerge at LIMA 2023
Apart from making progress with its troubled LCS programme, the priority for Malaysia's navy right now is the next three Littoral Mission Ships.
