The initial sea outing follows dockside tests conducted since the vessel’s launch in May 2025 and the commissioning of its nuclear reactor in December 2025. These operations were performed in the assembly hall and in both dry and water-filled docks to validate equipment and onboard systems.
This milestone marks further progress in the Barracuda programme, under which the first three submarines have already entered active service. SSN Suffren was admitted in June 2022, SSN Duguay-Trouin in April 2024 and SSN Tourville in July 2025, while the final two boats, SSN Rubis and SSN Casabianca, remain under construction with deliveries scheduled through to the end of the decade.
The programme is led by the Direction générale de l’armement in partnership with the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives for the nuclear boiler component. Naval Group is responsible for design and construction, as well as manufacturing the main nuclear boiler components developed and produced with TechnicAtome, and it also provides logistical support and maintenance in Toulon.
With a planned lifespan exceeding 30 years, the Barracuda programme is set to underpin France’s submarine forces until at least 2060, making it one of the country’s major weapons systems of this century. Around 2,500 people, including approximately 800 subcontractors, are currently contributing to production across the series.
Designed to meet present and future operational requirements, the Barracuda-class submarines are described as more versatile, more capable and better armed than the Ruby-class boats they replace. They are equipped with naval cruise missiles and SM39 anti-ship missiles supplied by MBDA, F21 heavyweight torpedoes produced by Naval Group, and enhanced systems enabling the discreet deployment of Special Forces.
Each submarine has a surface displacement of 4,700 tonnes and a diving displacement of 5,200 tonnes, with a length of 99 metres and a diameter of 8.8 metres. Powered by a pressurised water reactor derived from those used in the Triomphant-type ballistic missile submarines and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, they carry a crew of 63 plus commandos and are designed for availability exceeding 270 days per year.
