Breaking News: France’s Navy receives third Barracuda-Class Nuclear Attack Submarine Tourville.

According to information published by the French MoD on November 18, 2024, the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) delivered the third Barracuda-class (Suffren-class) nuclear attack submarine, Tourville, to the French Navy. This delivery follows the handover of Suffren in 2020 and Duguay-Trouin in 2023.
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French Navy's Suffren-class submarine Tourville. (Picture source: French MoD)

The Barracuda program, managed by the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) in partnership with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), aims to replace the aging Rubis-class submarines in service with the French Navy.

The Tourville’s journey to delivery included a rigorous four-month sea trial campaign that began on July 12, 2024. This phase followed the successful activation of its nuclear propulsion system in April 2024 and extensive dockside tests conducted after its transfer to the launch system on July 20, 2023. Preceding this were integration operations in dry dock and water trials that validated the performance of onboard systems and equipment.

The lessons learned from its predecessors, Suffren and Duguay-Trouin, significantly contributed to the successful delivery of the Tourville. With operational trials and integration now complete, the submarine is poised for commissioning into active service, marking a pivotal step in modernizing France’s naval capabilities. Upon its commissioning, the French Navy will operate more Suffren-class submarines than the retiring Rubis-class, reflecting a generational shift in submarine technology.

The Barracuda-class submarines are designed for nuclear propulsion, granting them exceptional endurance and operational stealth. Their hybrid propulsion systems, developed from reactors used in France’s ballistic missile submarines and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, integrate pressurized water reactors with cutting-edge turbine and electric motor systems.

In terms of armament, these submarines are equipped with naval cruise missiles capable of striking land targets, modernized Exocet anti-ship missiles, and advanced F21 heavy torpedoes for undersea warfare. These features enable them to perform a wide range of missions, including precision strike, anti-submarine warfare, and special operations deployment. With a highly trained crew of 65 personnel and capacity to accommodate commandos, these submarines deliver unparalleled operational versatility. Their ability to remain operational for over 270 days a year further enhances their strategic value.

Three additional submarines (De Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca) are currently under construction at various stages at Naval Group’s Cherbourg facility. The De Grasse is scheduled to reach the launch system in spring 2025.