The information comes from local media La Presse de la Manche. Unlike the large scale symbolic launch ceremony of the first-in-class boat Suffren (S635) in July 2019, there was no formal event for the Duguay-Trouin, and more surprising, no formal communication from the French Navy, ministry of defence, DGA or even the shipbuilder.
The keel laying for the submarine took place in June 2009. Yesterday, the 4,500 tons hull was taken outside of the construction hall via 24 walkers. Duguay-Trouin will continue outfitting work outside the construction hall before it actual launch in the water (the hull is moved on a platform and then lowered in the water), likely in late December or early 2022. Suffren was actually launched in the water in August 2019. Duguay-Trouin is set to be delivered at the end of 2022. Naval Group has to deliver four SSNs of the class by 2026. The final boat of the class, Casabianca, is expected to be handed over to the French Navy in 2029.
