French shipbuilding company Naval Group has successfully delivered the third Barracuda-class submarine, named Tourville, to the French Navy. This submarine is part of a series of six new Barracuda nuclear attack submarines (SNA) planned for the French Navy. The delivery took place during a ceremony in Brest, where the vessel was handed over to the Directorate-General for Armaments (DGA).
The completion of the Tourville marks a significant milestone in the Barracuda program, with three out of the six Suffren-class nuclear attack submarines now in the possession of the French Navy. This achievement comes after the deliveries of the Suffren in 2020 and the Duguay-Trouin in 2023. The remaining submarines in the program, namely the De Grasse, the Rubis, and the Casabianca, are currently under construction at Naval Group’s facility in Cherbourg. The De Grasse is expected to be transferred to the launching facility in spring 2025.
The successful delivery of the Tourville is a result of collaboration with Naval Group’s partners and incorporates feedback from previous deliveries. This marks the final step before the submarine undergoes operational trials and becomes fully operational with the French Navy. Prior to the delivery, a four-month sea trial campaign was conducted starting on July 12, following the commissioning of the nuclear boiler room in April 2024. Extensive dockside tests were carried out after the submarine’s transfer to the launching facility in July 2023. Various operations were also conducted in the integration hall, dry basin, and water tests to validate key equipment and systems.
The Barracuda program, managed by the DGA in partnership with the Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) for nuclear boilers, aims to replace the aging Rubis-class submarines currently in service with the French Navy. Naval Group is responsible for the entire construction process of this series, including design, construction, manufacturing of primary components for the nuclear boilers in collaboration with TechnicAtome, and providing logistical support and maintenance for the submarines in Toulon.
The delivery of the Tourville signifies a significant advancement in enhancing the French Navy’s capabilities in underwater defense and maritime security. The Barracuda-class submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced defense systems to ensure the protection of French waters and interests. With the ongoing construction of the remaining submarines in the program, the French Navy is poised to strengthen its submarine fleet and maintain a strategic advantage in naval operations.
