France's Suffren reinforces NATO power

France is a valuable American ally. Reflecting that truth on Friday, President Emmanuel Macron launched France’s newest attack submarine.

The inaugural boat of the Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine, the Suffren will support NATO and the U.S.-led international order. That international order makes us freer, safer, and wealthier. Like the man it is named for, the relentless 18th century Admiral Pierre André de Suffren (though, as my former professor Andrew Lambert records, not quite a Nelson), the submarine Suffren brings much to the table. Very quiet, Suffren retains capabilities in special forces delivery and cruise missile strike. That makes it a very useful addition to NATO’s portfolio.