France’s Rubis-Class Submarines: The Smallest Nuclear Attack Subs with Big Impact

It was later completed as an experimental missile diesel-electric submarine and, under the name Gimnote, was used for many years to test ballistic missiles. Return to the Nuclear Submarine Program The decision to build a multi-purpose nuclear submarine was revisited in January 1973. By that time, French shipbuilders had already gained the necessary experience by creating a series of nuclear ballistic missile submarines of the Redoutable class. They were now tasked with designing a compact and relatively inexpensive submarine with low noise levels and a highly reliable nuclear power plant. The diesel-electric submarine project Agosta was used as the prototype. The new submarine's power system was based on the principle of electric propulsion. Development of the project, designated SNA 72, lasted more than two years, and the Cherbourg shipyard received the order for the lead submarine S601 in February 1976. Interestingly, the submarines were initially intended to be named after French provinces, and the first submarine was laid down as Provence. However, the decision was soon changed, and the submarines were ultimately named after precious stones. The lead boat entered service as Rubis (Ruby”).