The Tourville follows the earlier deliveries of Suffren in 2020 and Duguay-Trouin in 2023. Construction of the remaining submarines—De Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca—is ongoing at Naval Group’s Cherbourg site, with De Grasse scheduled for transfer to the launching facility in spring 2025.
The Barracuda programme aims to replace the French Navy’s Rubis-class submarines, with the support of the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) for nuclear reactor development. Naval Group oversees the design, construction, and integration of the submarines, as well as providing logistical support and maintenance at the naval base in Toulon.
The Tourville underwent extensive sea trials over four months, beginning in July 2024, to validate its systems and performance. These trials followed the activation of its nuclear reactor in April and dockside testing conducted after the submarine’s transfer to its launching system in mid-2023.
Naval Group highlighted the collaborative effort behind the submarine’s development, stating: “The delivery of the Tourville is the final step before operational trials and its admission to active service by the French Navy.” Lessons learned from earlier vessels in the class were applied to improve the production process.
Upon entry into active service, the Tourville will bring the French Navy’s fleet of Suffren-class submarines to a majority over the older Rubis-class. This milestone reflects progress in modernising the Navy’s submarine capabilities under the Barracuda programme.
