France Unveils Cutting Edge Submarine: Revolutionary Barracuda Type Ssn Set To Redefine Naval Capabilities

The fourth Barracuda type nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) for the French Navy, “De Grasse” (S638), has begun its initial sea trials. This marks an important step in the realization of the Barracuda program, which aims to provide the naval forces with a state-of-the-art and versatile platform.

The De Grasse is named after Lieutenant général des armées navales François Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse, Marquis of Grasse-Tilly, a French naval officer who played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War. The submarine’s naming ceremony took place on February 24, 2024, at the Naval Group submarine shipyard in Cherbourg, Normandy.

According to Admiral Xavier Petit, Commander, French submarine forces (ALFOST), De Grasse features several improvements compared to its predecessors. These enhancements include a new version of the submarine’s combat management system (SYCOBS) and a new generation electronic warfare system. These upgrades demonstrate the French Navy’s commitment to staying at the forefront of naval technology.

The first sea trial of De Grasse follows a series of dock tests carried out since the launch of the submarine in May 2025, as well as the commissioning of its nuclear reactor in December 2025. The operations took place in both dry and water-filled docks to test equipment and systems. This milestone marks an important step in the Barracuda program, which has already seen three submarines enter active duty.

The first submarine of the class, Suffren, was delivered in November 2020 and entered active duty in June 2022, completing its first operational deployment in January 2023. The second boat-in-class, Duguay-Trouin, was delivered in August 2023 and commissioned in April 2024. The third Suffren-class submarine, Tourville, was delivered in November 2024 and commissioned in July 2025.

Two SSNs of the class remain to be launched. Rubis is set to begin sea trials next year, while the final boat of the class, Casabianca, could be handed over to the French Navy in 2029, potentially ahead of schedule compared to the initial contractual date.

The Suffren-class submarines are designed to meet the operational needs of today and tomorrow. With their advanced features, they provide the French Navy with a real superiority in combat, particularly thanks to MBDA’s naval cruise missiles (NCM), which offer precise deep-strike capability. The F21 heavyweight torpedo produced by Naval Group and the SM39 anti-ship missile from MBDA are also part of the submarine’s armament.

These SSNs are equipped with enhanced capabilities for discrete deployment of Special Forces underwater, thanks to systems such as the Dry Deck Shelter, a removable deck hangar that allows the deployment of the new PSM3G swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV) and a dozen combat swimmers. The non-penetrating optronic masts by Safran Electronic and Defense provide unmatched high-quality imagery, allowing every sailor in the CIC to access it.

The Suffren-class submarines are also equipped with state-of-the-art sensors that give them superior anti-submarine warfare and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The integration of these systems enables the submarine to strike deep behind enemy lines while remaining stealthy, making it a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

In terms of performance, the Suffren-class submarines have impressive specifications. With a surface displacement of 4,700 tons and a diving displacement of 5,100 tons, they are capable of reaching speeds over 25 knots. Their maximum depth is estimated to be over 350 meters, and they are equipped with advanced propulsion systems, including a hybrid reactor that derives from the reactors on board the Triomphant-class SSBN and Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier.

The crew of De Grasse consists of 63 crew members plus approximately 15 commandos. The submarine has an endurance of over 70 days at sea, although it can also operate until food supplies run out. The availability rate is estimated to be over 270 days per year.

The Suffren-class submarines are expected to play a significant role in the French Navy’s future operations. With their advanced features and capabilities, they will provide the naval forces with a versatile platform for operational needs.