Le Terrible begins major refit
The Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Le Terrible has arrived in the naval base at Brest for a major refit.
‘This will be the first FCD [full cycle docking] for Le Terrible and will involve 14 months of industrial activities to modernise the ship and restore its operational potential for the coming 10 years,’ the French MoD and prime contractor Naval Group announced on 8 January.
Work on the FCD is divided between Brest and the L’Île Longue strategic submarine base.
The extensive project involves 2.5 million hours of work over a 30-month period, with Naval Group overseeing the activities of 45 organisations.
Some 40,000 equipment items will be removed for inspection and 300 modifications will be made to the SSBN, focusing on hull maintenance and operational systems, including the nuclear missiles.
Once this work is completed, Le Terrible will return to L’Île Longue to reload the reactor core, start up various installations and carry out sea trials before returning to its operational cycle.
Le Terrible is the newest submarine in the four-boat Triomphant class, having been commissioned in 2010.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.