Submarine
Scorpène-class submarine
The Scorpène class is a diesel-electric attack submarine designed by Naval Group (formerly DCNS) with Navantia and built mainly for export, in service since 2005. It operates with Chile, Malaysia, India and Brazil, but not with the French Navy.
France|Naval Group & NavantiaOverview
The Scorpène was designed by DCNS, now Naval Group, with Spain’s Navantia, with the first boats entering service in 2005. Displacement is about 1,565–2,000 t submerged and length 66.4–76 m, depending on the version. Speed is about 20 knots submerged, and the crew is 31–40. Six 533 mm tubes carry Black Shark torpedoes and SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, for 18 weapons in all. The French MESMA air-independent propulsion system is optional.
Customers are Chile (2 boats, 2005–2006), Malaysia (2, 2009–2010), India (6 Kalvari-class boats built by Mazagon Dock, the last, Vagsheer, commissioned in January 2025) and Brazil (4 Riachuelo-class boats, with Riachuelo, Humaitá and Tonelero delivered by now). An additional three Indian boats were approved at the end of 2022 and then deferred; a deal is not final (hedged). The 2016 leak of Indian documents hurt Naval Group’s reputation. The Evolved Scorpène adds lithium-ion batteries.
Key Specifications
Variants
The baseline Scorpène is the diesel-electric attack submarine of 1,565–1,775 t sold to Chile and Malaysia.
The Scorpène with MESMA AIP adds the French air-independent propulsion system for longer submerged endurance.
The Evolved Scorpène adds lithium-ion batteries to improve underwater performance.
Operators
Chile
Malaysia
India
BrazilFrequently Asked Questions
Which countries use the Scorpène submarine?
Chile, Malaysia, India and Brazil operate the Scorpène. Chile has 2 boats, Malaysia 2, India 6 (Kalvari class) and Brazil 4 (Riachuelo class). The French Navy does not operate the type.
Is the Scorpène AIP?
The Scorpène can be fitted with the French MESMA air-independent propulsion system, which is optional. The base version is diesel-electric. The Evolved Scorpène adds lithium-ion batteries.
How big is the Scorpène submarine?
The Scorpène displaces about 1,565–2,000 t submerged and is 66.4–76 m long, depending on the version. The crew is 31–40, and the speed is about 20 knots submerged.
Scorpène vs Type 214: which is better?
The Scorpène and the German Type 214 are both export diesel-electric submarines with optional or fitted AIP. The Scorpène displaces 1,565–2,000 t and carries SM39 Exocet. Open sources do not show a clear winner.
What weapons does the Scorpène carry?
The Scorpène has six 533 mm torpedo tubes and carries up to 18 weapons in total. These include Black Shark torpedoes, SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and mines, depending on the mission.
What were the Scorpène leaks?
The 2016 “Scorpene leaks” were a leak of Indian Navy documents about the Kalvari-class submarines, which damaged Naval Group’s reputation. The leak concerned technical data on India’s six boats built by Mazagon Dock.