Surcouf was a unique French submarine armed with two 203 mm guns, conceived as a cruiser-like raider capable of engaging surface ships. At the time of her commissioning, she was the largest submarine in the world and featured an unconventional torpedo layout and a reconnaissance aircraft.
During World War II, as part of the Free French forces, Surcouf participated in protecting Atlantic convoys and in capturing the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. In February 1942, the submarine disappeared with her entire crew while en route to the Pacific.
