Le Triomphant (SSBN) - Backbone of France’s Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrent

This model represents Le Triomphant, the lead boat of France’s Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarines, built in 1/350 scale and finished using acrylics with oils applied for subtle, controlled weathering. As with all of my submarine builds, the model is mounted on a standardized, hand-cut hardwood base painted to resemble a miniature slipway, providing a consistent presentation across the submarine collection.

The display base incorporates three reference elements: the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure positioned just above and to the right of the flag for size comparison, and a QR code that can be scanned with a cellphone camera (see the side-view photo) to access additional historical and technical information about the submarine.

The Triomphant class forms the backbone of France’s sea-based nuclear deterrent and represents the culmination of decades of French submarine design focused on survivability, acoustic discretion, and strategic endurance. Designed and built by DCNS (now Naval Group), these submarines entered service beginning in the late 1990s, replacing the earlier Redoutable-class SSBNs.

Le Triomphant was commissioned in 1997 and is one of four boats in the class. Each submarine is powered by a nuclear reactor and designed for long-duration deterrent patrols, carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles that provide France with an independent and continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent capability. Over their service lives, the class has undergone modernization programs, including upgrades to missile systems and onboard electronics, ensuring continued relevance well into the 21st century.

The Triomphant class emphasizes extreme quieting measures, hydrodynamically refined hull forms, and advanced sonar suites, allowing the submarine to operate discreetly while on deterrent patrol. These design priorities reflect the strategic requirement that a ballistic missile submarine remain undetected at all costs, serving as a survivable second-strike platform.

Weathering on this model was depicted to represent months and months at sea.