triomphant

Triomphant is the lead submarine of the French Navy’s Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN). It is a nuclear-powered vessel designed to contribute to France’s strategic deterrence by providing a mobile, covert second-strike capability as part of the Force de dissuasion.

The hull was built by Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN) at Cherbourg. Keel laid in the early 1990s, Triomphant was launched in 1994 and commissioned in 1997. It has undergone mid-life updates to carry submarine-launched ballistic missiles, initially the M45 family and later the more capable M51, replacing earlier missiles to extend range and payload. The submarine is equipped with 16 missile tubes, enabling a strategic strike capability.

Triomphant-class submarines are powered by two pressurized-water reactors, providing long underwater endurance and eliminating the need for frequent surfacing. Their mission profile centers on stealthy deterrence patrols conducted at sea, often in the Atlantic, designed to deter adversaries by ensuring a credible, survivable nuclear force.

In addition to Triomphant, the class comprises three sister ships: Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible. Together, they form the backbone of France’s strategic deterrent, maintaining continuous at-sea deterrence through regular patrols and modernization programs that keep the fleet capable of delivering its planned missile payloads.