## Modernizing French Naval Diving Capabilities: The New Generation of VSP Vessels
The French Navy is undergoing a meaningful modernization of its diving support fleet with the introduction of a new class of vessels – the *vedettes de Soutien Plongée* (VSPs), or Diving Support Stars. BMA, overseeing production at the Merré and CIB shipyards, recently announced the delivery of the IRIS, the third of eight VSPs commissioned to enhance underwater operations. The IRIS will be strategically stationed in Brest, bolstering the capabilities of the Atlantic divers-deminers group.
### Phased deployment and Production Progress
The rollout of these advanced vessels is proceeding according to schedule.The initial prototype,the OPHRYS,was delivered in November 2022 to Toulon,followed by the Acacia in march of the same year.Both vessels currently support the Mediterranean group of divers-deminers (GPD). With production accelerating, the French Navy anticipates having all eight VSPs in active service by 2027. Currently, naval modernization programs across Europe are seeing a 15% increase in investment, driven by evolving geopolitical landscapes and the need for enhanced maritime security [[1]]. The fourth vessel, the Yucca, is slated for keel laying in September and will also be assigned to the Atlantic GPD, mirroring the IRIS’s operational area.
### Collaborative Design and Regional Distribution
the VSPs represent a collaborative effort in naval architecture. Designed by Frédéric Neuman,in conjunction with the engineering teams at the Merré facility in Nort-sur-Erdre (Loire-Atlantique),the hulls are constructed there before being transported to Brest for final outfitting and armament by CIB. The fifth vessel, the Petunia, is expected to arrive at Pointe Bretagne by the end of July, destined for Cherbourg alongside the Azalea, to serve the GPD operating in the English Channel and the North Sea. The final two units, Zinnia and Hysope, will be deployed to the Mediterranean training hub, specifically the Diving School in Saint-Mandrier, near Toulon.
### Replacing Legacy Systems with Cutting-Edge Technology
These new VSPs are designed to supersede the aging fleet of nine *Vedettes d’intervention et de Protection des Divers* (VIPD) – older intervention stars for divers-deminers. A recent report by the French Ministry of Armed Forces highlighted that the VIPD fleet had exceeded its operational lifespan and required increasingly costly maintenance [[1]]. The VSPs offer a considerable upgrade in capabilities and efficiency. For example, the Genet, a representative VIPD vessel, was observed in Brest last May, demonstrating the ongoing transition.
### technical Specifications and Operational Capabilities
Constructed entirely from aluminum, each VSP measures 26.5 meters in length with a 7-meter beam and a displacement of 105 tonnes when fully loaded. Manned by a crew of six,these vessels are equipped with a thorough suite of diving support equipment,including a hyperbaric chamber for decompression and a 200 kg-capacity crane for handling diving equipment. Furthermore, the VSPs can deploy auxiliary craft such as inflatable boats, sonar systems, and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), like the A-9 model utilized by French naval divers.The integration of ROVs allows for safer and more efficient underwater inspections and operations, reducing the risk to personnel in hazardous environments.