French submarine crews accidentally leaked highly classified information about their ballistic missile submarines’ (PCBM) patrols via the fitness tracking app Strava, as reported by the newspaper Le Monde.
+ Learn more about the Triomphant-class nuclear submarines: technology and defense
Through the data publicly shared by sailors on the app, users were able to identify the operations of the base located on the Île Longue island in western France, as well as the patrol schedules of the submarines.
This base is one of the most secretive facilities of the French Navy, where four Triomphant-class nuclear submarines are stationed, each equipped with 16 nuclear ballistic missiles.
These missiles possess an explosive power approximately 1,000 times greater than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, forming the primary naval component of France’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
Accidental Disclosure of Sensitive Information
The crews of these nuclear submarines inadvertently revealed classified details, such as running routes and schedules, by publicly sharing their fitness activities on Strava. This information enabled the calculation of patrol frequencies for the “black boats,” as these nuclear submarines are known, whose exact locations are classified.
Since 1972, at least one of these submarines has been on constant patrol, ready to execute a direct order from the President of France to conduct a nuclear strike if necessary.
Despite stringent security measures at the base — including land and sea patrols, drones, facial recognition, scanners, and over 2,000 personnel undergoing rigorous checks — this data breach occurred.
Mobile phones and electronic devices are prohibited in most parts of the facility and must be stored in specific lockers, but the breach highlighted by the use of Strava demonstrates a significant technological vulnerability.
Source: Le Monde / mil.in.ua / TWZ. Photos and video: Instagram @marinenationale. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
