The future Barracuda type SSNs of the French Navy are able to accommodate up to 15 special operation forces (the famous Commandos Marine). While the preceding Rubis-class is only able to deploy a handful of swimmers from the torpedo tubes, fully-equipped frogmen onboard the Suffren will either be deployed from the embedded air-lock or from a removable Dry Deck Shelter. This DDS then allows the special operation forces to use heavier equipment, including surface and sub-surface vehicles such as a swimmer delivery vehicle (the PSM3G by ECA Group), diver propulsion vehicles (DPV), or Zodiac RHIBs.
When French attack submarines are operational with cruise missiles and DDS, the Marine Nationale will then master tactical capabilities mastered only by the US Navy and Royal Navy (inside NATO).
