France Joins the AUKUS Sub Program

Important update on this article: April Fool’s

The French government has officially joined the AUKUS submarine program, a 368 billion dollar project that already involves Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The aim of the plan is to construct and deliver a new generation of nuclear-powered attack submarine for the respective naval forces. As part of these arrangements, the French Navy could receive up to four submarines.

The announcement of the AUKUS submarine deal was made on September 18, 2021, by the leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia in a joint session. A follow-up statement released on March 13, 2023 confirmed that the prestigious British SSN(R) program would be the basis for the AUKUS design. However, whether the French submarines will be exact duplicates of their Anglo-Saxon counterparts, or slightly slimmer, remains unclear.

Influences on the Design

There were already indications that this new partnership was forthcoming, which may explain why some official images of the submarine (then called AUKUS) released on March 14 show similar traits to a French sail pattern. The depicted sail closely resembled that of the Barracuda class submarine, which is now being commissioned by the French Navy.

In anticipation of cost overruns related to interior design of crew accommodation and galley spaces, the submarines will be built with but not for (FBNW) torpedo tubes. This new arrangement is expected to lead to a savings of millions of dollars in operating costs, according to an unnamed source with direct knowledge of the operational planning.

The torpedoes tubes arrangements would not be permanent, as the source added: “In the event of increased tension or the outbreak of hostilities,” adding, “the submarines could be rebuilt with torpedo tubes in just a matter of years.” In submarine terms, even four years is considered short, particularly in Canada.

The submarine service has not publicly commented on the new agreement.

Collaborative Construction Key to Success

The submarines will be built in a new facility that is equidistant from Southampton and Cherbourg, the latter being the hub for building French submarines. Such a political decision was in line with the expectations of international defense collaborations. The submarines for Australia will be constructed in Australian shipyards, and then assembled in France and the United Kingdom. The completed submarines will then be transported by rail via the Suez Canal to Australia.

The revamped program will be renamed FUKUS after France formally joins, with the submerge à trois becoming a submerge à quatre. Boris Johnson, who was among the leaders who initially announced the AUKUS program, is said to be eager to attend the celebrations. Downing Street has preemptively denied the existence of any planned included catered business meetings.

It is understood that Canada will not be able to participate in FUKUS for reasons of common decency.