France Launches Tiger Helicopter Missile Development Program, Orders Fifth Barracuda Submarine

The French Ministry of the Armed Forces announced Monday that the country is launching the development phase of the "Tiger Standard 3" helicopter program on the basis of European cooperation, and is ordering the fifth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine. 

This decision is directly in line with the framework set by the Franco-German Defense and Security Council of 13 July 2017, during which Germany and France agreed to set up a cooperation framework for the Standard 3 of the Tiger helicopter, as well as for a joint air-to-ground tactical missile program, the ministry said in a statement.

A true mid-life upgrade, the "Tiger Standard 3" will maintain the Tiger weapon system competitive beyond 2040 and capable of integrating future combat systems, to develop its collaborative combat capabilities and modernize its offensive abilities. This new standard will continue to adapt the Tiger fleet to meet future threats, as decided by the Minister of the Armed Forces during the preparation of the Military Planning Act (LPM) 2019-2025. 

The 2019-2025 Military Programming Law maintains the fleet of six nuclear attack submarines. Over this period, the first four Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarines will be delivered, allowing the phasing out of the Rubis-class nuclear attack submarines now in service, as was decided the Armed Forces Minister during preparatory work for the LPM. 

The Barracuda-class submarines will provide an underwater component at the world's best standards. They will broaden the capabilities of naval cruise missile (MdCN) in-depth capabilities and will enable the deployment of special forces while submerged.