Yesterday, the company Naval Group announced that it is preparing to launch a new Barracuda-class nuclear submarine for the French Navy, following its transfer from its original construction site to a floating platform of the DME type. The new vessel will bear the name De Grasse and will be the fourth in a series of six units that will make up this class—also known as the Suffren class—which were acquired with the goal of replacing the aging Rubis-class submarines that were commissioned by the Navy in the 1980s.
Regarding the matter, the company’s CEO, Pierre Éric Pommellet, stated: The rollout of the De Grasse is a major milestone for the Barracuda program. I would like to salute the dedication and expertise of Naval Group’s teams, those of TechnicAtome, the DGA, the CEA, the French Navy, as well as those of all our partners. Reaching this new milestone is a testament to the know-how of the French naval industry which is proudly at the service of our armed forces”
Specifically, the fourth Barracuda-class submarine is expected to begin sea trials in 2026. Therefore, in the coming months, the manufacturer must complete the installation of the submarine’s final systems and carry out the corresponding initial dockside tests. It is also worth noting that Naval Group is responsible for the design and construction of most of the vessel, while TechnicAtome is in charge of building and testing the nuclear propulsion system that powers it.
Reviewing some of its technical features, these submarines have a surfaced displacement of 4,700 tons, contained within a length of 99 meters and a diameter of 8.8 meters—space sufficient to house its 63 crew members plus a commandos team. In terms of propulsion, each Barracuda submarine is equipped with a pressurized water reactor based on those used in the Triomphant class, in addition to a propulsion turbine, two turbogenerators, and two electric motors. As for armament, the new French submarines will be armed with heavy F21 torpedoes, upgraded Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles, and cruise missiles.
Finally, it should be noted that the French Navy already possesses the first three Barracuda-class submarines, the most recent being the SNA Tourville, delivered this past November. The previous unit, the SNA Duguay-Trouin, was handed over less than a year before that, in April 2024, while the lead boat in the series, the SNA Barracuda, entered active service in June 2022. Looking ahead, the Navy aims to have the full fleet operational by the beginning of the next decade, as outlined in the 2024–2030 Military Planning Law.
Cover image: Naval Group
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