Naval Group rolls out fourth Barracuda-class submarine De Grasse for sea trials preparation

The De Grasse is one of six Suffren-class submarines being built to replace the ageing Rubis-class fleet in service with the French Navy. The Barracuda programme, led by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) in collaboration with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), aims to deliver all six submarines by 2030.

Naval Group is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the submarines, including the manufacturing of key components of the nuclear steam supply system, in partnership with TechnicAtome. The company is also providing logistical support and will oversee the maintenance of the vessels at their Toulon base.

“The rollout of the De Grasse is a major milestone for the Barracuda program,” said Pierre Éric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group. “I would like to salute the dedication and expertise of Naval Group’s teams, those of TechnicAtome, the DGA, the CEA, the French Navy, as well as those of all our partners. Reaching this new milestone is a testament to the know-how of the French naval industry which is proudly at the service of our armed forces.”

Each Barracuda-class submarine is equipped with advanced capabilities, including MBDA’s naval cruise missiles, F21 heavyweight torpedoes developed by Naval Group, and SM39 anti-ship missiles. The submarines also feature a “divers hatch” and can optionally carry a dry deck shelter to deploy Special Forces and underwater vehicles discreetly.

This programme represents over two decades of collaborative effort between Naval Group and a broad network of industrial and technological partners. Around 2,500 personnel, including 800 subcontractors, are involved in the design and production of the Barracuda submarines.

The De Grasse features a surface displacement of 4,700 tonnes and a submerged displacement of 5,200 tonnes, with a length of 99 metres and a diameter of 8.8 metres. Its hybrid propulsion system is based on a pressurised water reactor derived from those used in the Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarines and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

Designed to be highly available, each submarine can operate for more than 270 days per year and carry a crew of 63 plus commandos. The rollout of the De Grasse highlights the continued advancement and strategic relevance of the French Navy’s submarine forces.