 The "Aréthuse" class were the first French submarines to use a diesel-electric propulsion system and were powered by two 12-cylinder SEMT Pielstick diesel engines driving one shaft rated at surfaced.They also mounted two electric generators that produced connected to one electric motor for use while submerged rated at .The generators were placed on spring suspensions and the motor was attached directly to the shaft creating a near-silent operational environment while submerged.