On July 12, 2024, the French Navy’s latest Barracuda-class submarine, the Tourville, embarked on its first sea trials, marking a significant step in the Barracuda program’s progress. This milestone follows the initial sea trials of its predecessors, the Suffren on April 28, 2020, and the Duguay-Trouin on March 25, 2023. The Tourville is the third submarine in this series, with its delivery expected by the end of 2024. The Tourville, like its Barracuda-class counterparts, is designed to replace the aging Ruby-class submarines currently in service. The Barracuda program, spearheaded by the French General Armament Directorate (DGA) and supported by the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA) for the nuclear components, is a collaborative effort involving Naval Group and TechnicAtome.
Naval Group oversees the entire production process, from design to construction, including the development and production of the nuclear boilers, and provides logistical support and maintenance in Toulon. The Tourville’s sea trials follow the successful commissioning of its nuclear boiler room in April 2024 and comprehensive dock tests conducted since July 2023. These preliminary tests in the integration bay and docks ensured that all equipment and systems were thoroughly evaluated before the submarine’s launch. The Barracuda program is advancing swiftly, with the remaining three submarines—de Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca—currently at various stages of construction. Each submarine is slated for delivery every two years, with the final vessel expected by 2030. The Barracuda-class submarines, designed to serve for over 30 years, will significantly bolster the French Navy’s capabilities well into the 2060s.
The Suffren-class SSNs, including the Tourville, are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, offering enhanced operational capabilities compared to their predecessors. These submarines are designed for versatility, speed, and power, capable of operating in diverse maritime environments from high seas to coastal areas. Nuclear propulsion provides them with exceptional range and stealth, critical for maintaining acoustic superiority. Advanced detection systems and an optronic mast, replacing the traditional telescopic mast, enhance visual information gathering and sharing. These features, combined with superior maneuverability and communication systems, ensure that the Barracuda-class SSNs excel in intelligence missions and underwater operations.
The Barracuda-class submarines are armed with an array of advanced weaponry, including the MdCN naval cruise missiles, F21 heavyweight torpedoes, and SM39 anti-ship missiles. These weapons grant the French Navy unprecedented deepwater precision strike capabilities. Additionally, these submarines are equipped for the discreet deployment of special forces, further extending their operational versatility. The Tourville’s successful sea trials underscore the Barracuda program’s momentum and the French Navy’s commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge submarine force. With each new submarine, the Navy enhances its maritime dominance, ensuring that the fleet remains formidable and ready to meet future challenges. As the Barracuda-class submarines continue to join the fleet, they will play a pivotal role in securing France’s naval superiority for decades to come.
