France Navy Perle Retired
Event Report
Navy
| Date | Dec. 23, 2025 |
| Country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Force | Navy |
| Ship Class | Rubis |
| Ship Name | Perle |
| Hull Number | S606 |
| Event type | Retired -1 |
Description
Last Rubis-class nuclear attack submarine, decommissioning confirmed by official decree published 23 December 2025. Crews to be gradually reassigned between 2026 and 2028. Perle had a dramatic history: a devastating fire in June 2020 while in drydock at Toulon destroyed her forward section. Rather than scrapping, the bow of decommissioned sister boat Saphir was grafted on, creating a unique hybrid submarine that returned to service in 2023. Her retirement leaves France with five operational SSNs as the Barracuda programme continues.
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