French Mini-Sub Likely to be used for Australia's Future Submarine

French Special Forces-External Intelligence Directorate (DGSE) "Propulseur Sous-Marins 3rd  Generation (PSM3G) for fitting on top of French Barracuda-Suffren Class SSNs and Australian Future Subs (SSKs). (Diagram and further background courtesy H. I. Sutton's Covert Shores).

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Noting much equipment on Australia's Future Submarine will be specifically compatible with France's Barracuda-Suffren class SSN DefenseNews reports January 25, 2017, in part:

"PARIS ― The head of France’s special forces has presented a wish list to lawmakers that includes a modified NH90 helicopter and a mini-submarine to complement the Barracuda nuclear attack submarine."

"Mini-submarine

Naval special forces are “waiting impatiently for entry into service of the PSM3G in 2018,” he noted. That is a third-generation, propelled mini-submarine that would work in conjunction with the Barracuda submarine.

That mini-sub would work with the Mistral projection and command ship as an interim measure, he said. “The PSM3G is a rare and immediately available capability effective against the famous ‘area-denial’ threat — the special forces have to be able to get close to an enemy coast to call in a strike,” he said.

The mini-submarine is a relatively large unit, capable of being launched from the Barracuda while submerged, he explained. “They are undetected from departure to return from the mission; that is, to say, an intelligence-gathering mission without being seen, without a signature, without particular risk and with an impressive efficiency,” he said.

The particularly high-performing mini-submarine, according to Isnard, would be fully autonomous, run on battery power and have a navigation system.

...[also significant] The Suffren, the first-of-class Barracuda boat, [laid down 2007!] is due for delivery in 2019 - a year late."