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French nuclear sub Perle returns to action after fire damage

10th July 2023 - 10:00 GMT | by Harry Lye in London

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The return of Perle to operations alleviates some pressure on France's SSN force since the 2020 fire that took it out of service. (Photo: French Armed Forces Ministry)

Following sea trials, Rubis-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) Perle has been delivered back to the French Navy following extensive repair works after a catastrophic fire in 2020.

French shipbuilder Naval Group has been working to replace the bow of the nuclear attack submarine after it was damaged in a 2020 fire in Toulon.

French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the achievement was a ‘real technical feat’ and praised the commitment of the French Navy, French procurement agency DGA and Naval Group.

The submarine was transported to Cherbourg to undergo repairs.

With work now completed and sea trials undertaken, the submarine is now deployable and ready to contribute to France’s operational submarine fleet.

During the complex repairs, Naval Group essentially joined two submarines, Perle and the

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