In 1932, the French fleet was replenished with the submarine Surcouf. Its creation was based on the concept of squadron submarines with powerful weapons and high speed. It was assumed that boats of this type would be able to accompany squadrons of surface ships and, if necessary, engage in artillery combat with the enemy, as well as for anti-landing operations.
This submarine, named after the famous French pirate, had extremely powerful weapons - it had two 203-mm guns in the turret, which could be loaded and aimed at the target when the boat was at periscope depth. In the aft part of the wheelhouse enclosure there was a sealed hangar with a reconnaissance aircraft. The gun turret, wheelhouse and deck of the Surcouf were protected by armor. But, like the submarine cruisers of other countries, Surcouf did not escape a number of serious shortcomings, and France no longer built ships of this type.
