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.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?]()
Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?
New interceptors and launchers could help navies preserve missile stocks during prolonged escort operations. Yet lower engagement costs will only improve merchant protection if the weapons are available where ships need defending.
-
![Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes]()
Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes
With its B-26 USV in full-rate production, Blue Ops is seeking to turn overseas interest into orders through a combination of lower operating costs, UAV integration and local manufacturing.
-
![Euronaval 2026: Baltic breakthrough powers Saildrone’s next European expansion]()
Euronaval 2026: Baltic breakthrough powers Saildrone’s next European expansion
Denmark’s doubled deployment, Mediterranean smuggling routes and Norwegian composite hulls show where uncrewed surveillance demand is heading, while British funding remains unclear.
-
![From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL]()
From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL
From deployable ship defence to autonomous sea and underwater vehicles, ASELSAN is preparing for a new era of naval security.
-
![Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift]()
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
