The nuclear-powered attack submarine named “Dugay-Trouin” will be stationed at the naval base of the French Navy in Toulon.
The Suffren-class submarines will provide the French Navy with deep strike capability, thanks to MBDA’s naval cruise missiles (NCM). They are also equipped with the F21 heavyweight torpedo produced by Naval Group and the SM39 anti-ship missile from MBDA. These SSNs also enable the discreet deployment of Special Forces underwater, especially through its “divers hatch” and the optional carrying of a dry deck shelter allowing for the deployment of underwater vehicles.
French shipbuilder, Naval Group, is responsible for constructing six Suffren-class submarines under the Barracuda program, aimed at replacing the Rubis-class submarines. Construction of the first of them, named “Suffren,” began in December 2017 and achieved full operational capability in June 2022. The final Suffren-class submarine, “Casabianca,” is expected to be handed over to the Marine Nationale in 2029.
As reported by Defence Industry Europe, Naval Group rolled out the third submarine of the Suffren-class, the future “Tourville,” in July.