November 16, 2024 marked a new crucial milestone in the life of the nuclear attack submarine (SNA) Tourville.
Following the various tests carried out during the first phase of the verification of military characteristics (VCM1) , the submarine Tourville was delivered by Naval Group to the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and received by the French Navy. This reception constitutes an essential milestone before the ship ‘s admission to active service (ASA).
After the transfer of delegated operator and the taking over of driving and safety in June 2024, as well as its first sea trip in July, the Tourville resumed its sea trials at the end of August. These trials made it possible to successively validate the capacities of the boiler room and propulsion, but also the combat system and its ability to launch weapons or implement combat swimmers. The Tourville thus embarked up to more than 90 people on board, both industrialists and state stakeholders.
The blue crew will soon set sail for Toulon to organize the crew changeover in order to begin the 2nd phase of the VCM very soon . This phase, including a long-term deployment, must in particular validate the submarine’s endurance at sea. It will ultimately allow the submarine’s ASA to be pronounced and its entry into operational life.