ATLANTIC OCEAN – In a significant demonstration of interoperability and advanced naval capability, the French Navy (Marine Nationale) and the U.S. Navy's Commander, Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Group One (COMUUVGRU ONE) have successfully launched a Razorback Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) from a French Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN).
The operation saw the medium-class Razorback UUV deployed from the French SSN's Dry Deck Shelter (DDS). This marks a critical milestone in the collaborative efforts between the two allied nations, showcasing a high degree of trust and technical integration. The Razorback UUV is designed for missions such as battlespace awareness and intelligence preparation of the operational environment.
The French Suffren-class submarines are equipped with a removable DDS, a specialized hangar that can be affixed to the submarine's hull. This shelter allows for the launch and recovery of UUVs, swimmer delivery vehicles, and special operations forces while the submarine remains submerged, providing a significant tactical advantage.
"This successful launch is a testament to the strong partnership between the French and U.S. navies," said a representative from COMUUVGRU ONE. "The ability to deploy U.S. assets from allied submarines expands our operational reach and enhances our collective undersea warfare capabilities. It is a powerful example of our shared commitment to maritime security and stability."
The exercise underscores the versatility of both the French SSN platform and the Razorback UUV system. By integrating these advanced technologies, the partner navies are developing new tactics and procedures for undersea operations, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of naval warfare. The ongoing collaboration between the French Marine Nationale and COMUUVGRU ONE is focused on leveraging unmanned systems to create a more effective and distributed naval force.