A Rubis-class nuclear-powered attack submarine.

20:14 GMT, November 25, 2009 The French Navy has formally awarded DCNS two major contracts for through-life support services for its nuclear-powered submarine fleets. The first is for TLS for six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) for five years; the second for TLS for nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) for five-and-a-half years.

“The signing of these TLS contracts for the French Navy’s submarines once again highlights our prime customer’s confidence in DCNS services,” says DCNS Chairman & CEO Patrick Boissier. “The maintenance of these submarines calls for industrial resources and know-how that only DCNS can offer the French Navy. We are proud to contribute to the unbroken support of our country’s standing sea-based nuclear deterrent force.”

The SSN contract, worth over €500 million, calls for Toulon-based TLS services from 2010 to 2014, including:

• routine maintenance for six Rubis-type SSNs (Rubis, Saphir, Casabianca, Émeraude, Améthyste and Perle), including engineering and logistic support
• major refits, or complete overhauls lasting 18 months, for three (Casabianca, Rubis and Émeraude), including the removal, refurbishment and refitting of all subsystems and equipment
• intermediate refit, including reactor refuelling, lasting nine months, for SSN Saphir.

This contract also requires that DCNS upgrade and provide TLS services for key French Navy facilities, specifically the INBS nuclear facility in the Toulon naval base’s Missiessy zone and the tactical simulator at the ENSM (École de Navigation Sous-Marine) naval school.

The second contract is for TLS services for SSBNs operated by the Navy’s Strategic Ocean Force (FOST). This contract, worth some €500 million, calls for Brest-based services from November 2009 to December 2015, including:

• routine maintenance for Le Triomphant-class SSBNs Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible, including engineering and logistic support and outfitting SSBN Le Terrible for the new M51 ballistic missile
• TLS services for crew training facilities
• TLS services for specific French Navy systems
• TLS services for shore-based facilities, including FOST relay antenna stations.