The Rubis type is a class of first-generation nuclear attack submarines of the French Navy. They are the most compact nuclear attack submarines to date.
All submarines of the class (except for Casabianca) are named after gemstones.
Although the Rubis belonged to the same generation as the Redoutable class, due to President Charles De Gaulle insistence on acquiring a nuclear deterrent for France, the program was started only in 1974, after the SSBN program. The first of class Rubis was laid down in December 1976 and launched in 1979.
In 1987, the Canadian White Paper on Defence recommended the purchase of 10 to 12 Rubis or Trafalgar class submarines under technology transfered with the choice of the type of submarine due to be confirmed before Summer 1988. The goal was to build up a three-ocean navy and to assert Canadian sovereignty over Arctic waters. The purchase was finally abandoned in April 1989.
Ships of the class
S601 Rubis (ex-Provence)
S602 Saphir (ex-Bretagne)
S603 Casabianca (ex-Bourgogne)
S604 Émeraude
S605 Améthyste
S603 Casabianca (ex-Bourgogne)
S604 Émeraude
S605 Améthyste
S606 Perle
FS Saphir is seen here at Faslane
