During NATO exercises, the French navy unveils a nuclear submarine so advanced that it can elude any radar system in the water. But France's maritime marvel becomes its own worst enemy when a band of Algerian terrorists hijacks the boat-and threatens to wipe Paris off the face of the earth before turning their missiles against America and Russia.

Two NATO subs are called into action: the USS Hampton, captained by veteran sub warrior Burke Dillinger, and the USS Texas, commanded by the iron-willed Peter Vornado. With Paris being evacuated and time running out, the coming conflict will pit the ultimate in technological weaponry against the courage, skill, and determination of Dillinger and Vornado.