Naval Group Delivers 3rd Barracuda type Submarine

France Welcomes New Submarine: Tourville Joins the Fleet

France’s Navy recently received its third Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, named Tourville, built by Naval Group. This delivery marks the halfway point in the production of six submarines planned for the French Navy. The first two submarines, the Suffren and Duguay-Trouin, were delivered in 2020 and 2023 respectively.

Progress in the Barracuda Program

The Tourville is part of a larger effort called the Barracuda program, led by France’s Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) in partnership with the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). The goal is to replace the older Rubis-class submarines currently in service. There are three more submarines in construction: De Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca. These are being built at the Naval Group’s site in Cherbourg, with the De Grasse expected to be ready for launch in the spring of 2025.

From Design to Construction: Naval Group’s Role

Naval Group is in charge of the entire process—designing, building, and maintaining these submarines. They work closely with TechnicAtome, a company that develops and builds the nuclear reactors for the submarines. They also handle logistics and upkeep for the submarines when they are stationed in Toulon.

This delivery is the result of strong cooperation between Naval Group and its partners, who learned valuable lessons from building the first two submarines. Before becoming fully operational, the Tourville had to pass many tests, including a four-month sea trial campaign that began in July 2024. The trials started after the activation of its nuclear reactor in April 2024 and followed several dockside tests that began in July 2023.

Technical Features of the Barracuda Submarines

The new Suffren-class submarines come with impressive features:

• Surface displacement: 4,700 tonnes
• Diving displacement: 5,200 tonnes
• Length: 99 meters
• Diameter: 8.8 meters
• Weapons: They are equipped with Naval cruise missiles (MdCN), F21 heavy wire-guided torpedoes, and modernized Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles.
• Propulsion: These submarines have a hybrid system with a pressurized water reactor, similar to those used on the Le Triomphant SSBN and the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier. The system includes two propulsion turbines, two turbo alternators, and two electric motors.
• Crew: Each submarine can hold 65 crew members and commandos.
• Sea Availability: These submarines can be at sea for more than 270 days a year.

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Moving Towards a Modern Fleet

When the Tourville is officially active, the French Navy will operate more Suffren-class submarines than the older Rubis-class. This shows the Navy’s commitment to upgrading its fleet with more advanced and capable submarines, enhancing both defense and operational abilities.

The addition of Tourville to the fleet demonstrates France’s focus on maintaining a powerful maritime force. The country’s investment in the Barracuda program is set to replace the aging Rubis-class submarines and ensure that the French Navy remains a significant naval power.

Looking Forward

The delivery of Tourville is just one step in the larger Barracuda program. As construction continues, France moves closer to a more modern and efficient submarine fleet. The upcoming launch of the De Grasse in 2025 is eagerly awaited, as it will be the next milestone in this ambitious program.

France’s strategy to keep its maritime defenses modern and effective is clear, and the Suffren-class submarines are at the heart of this effort, equipped with the latest technology and weaponry.