Following a major refit by DCNS, conventional-propulsion submarine Ouessant was recommissioned in November 2005 for an at-sea training programme for Malaysian submariners. The submarine had been decommissioned in 2001 after entering active service with the French Navy in 1978. During the training programme, SSK Ouessant logged 9,000 hours under water. Today, on returning to port after its final mission, SSK Ouessant will have completed a major contribution to the creation of Malaysia’s first submarine force.

The contract signed by DCNS and the Royal Malaysian Navy in 2002 called for the delivery of two Scorpene submarines and an extensive crew training package by DCI/Navfco.

At-sea training has been a key component of this package. Given that SSK Ouessant was built in the 1970s and considering the demands of repeated training exercises, special attention was paid to the condition of each item of shipboard equipment.

Almost 170 Malaysian submariners benefited from training aboard the Ouessant. In the course of the four-year programme, DCNS ensured nearly 500 days of at-sea availability and the boat spent over 9,000 hours submerged.

Following their training aboard the Ouessant, the RMN’s first submarine crew took control of their first boat, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, delivered on 26 January 2009. Coming soon, the first RMN Scorpene set off on the voyage to its home port.

The support contract awarded to DCNS in October 2003 called for:
• six months planning and preparation, a 14-month refit, completed in September 2005, including the inspection of 20,000 items
• ongoing maintenance during the four-year training programme, including 12 minor overhauls at regular intervals
• supply of spares for the duration of the contract
• configuration and obsolescence management.

About DCNS
DCNS is a leading European player on the world market for naval defence systems. The Group designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines and mission-critical systems and equipment incorporating the most advanced technologies. Drawing on its dedicated teams, proven expertise and extensive industrial resources, DCNS is also expanding into new markets in civil nuclear energy, marine renewable energy and naval and industrial services. DCNS is committed to sustainable development and was one of the first defence contractors to achieve Group-wide certification to ISO 14001. The Group employs 12,000 staff and generates annual revenues of around €2.5 billion (2008 figures).

About DCI/Navfco
DCI (Défense Conseil International) is a stand-alone enterprise with the French state as its reference shareholder. The enterprise operates under Ministry of Defence supervision in close collaboration with the country’s chiefs of staff, defence procurement agency DGA and the French defence industry. For over 35 years, DCI has been a key component of French government support for defence exports. The enterprise’s main mission is to share the armed forces’ know-how with partner countries purchasing French defence equipment. Thanks to its highly qualified personnel and acknowledged military experience, DCI is the guarantor of the ‘French Armed Forces’ label and the quality of the services provided by its four branches: Cofras, Navfco, Airco and Desco. (Cofras works with the French Army, Navfco with the Navy, Airco with the Air Force and Desco with the DGA.) Over the years, Navfco has trained over 13,000 officers, petty officers and sailors belonging to 30 navies.

Press Contacts:

Emmanuel Gaudez
+33 (0) 1 40 59 55 69
emmanuel.gaudez]@dcnsgroup.fr

Chantal Pellaé
+33 (0)2 29 05 24 62
+33 (0)6 64 09 48 08
chantal.pellae@dcnsgroup.com