SSN Tourville Embarks on Its Maiden Voyage Testing Adventure

Following the Suffren’s inaugural sea tests on 28 April 2020 and those of the Duguay-Trouin, the second in the sequence, on 25 March 2023, a significant achievement has been attained in the development of the Barracuda program SSNs, marked by the initial sea trials of the Tourville on July 12th, 2024. The submarine will now undergo various evaluations to assess its performance prior to its delivery, planned for the end of 2024.

The Tourville serves as the third submarine in the Barracuda initiative, overseen by the French General Armament Directorate (DGA) in collaboration with the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA) regarding the nuclear boiler aspects. This initiative aims to modernize the Ruby-class SSNs presently in operation within the French Navy. Naval Group is responsible for the fabrication of these submarines, from planning to construction, alongside the manufacture of the primary components of the nuclear boilers, developed and produced alongside TechnicAtome. Additionally, Naval Group is tasked with offering logistical support and maintaining the submarines in Toulon.

The initial sea trials of the Tourville follow the commissioning of its nuclear boiler room in April 2024 and the dock evaluations conducted since the submarine was shifted to its launching facility on 20 July 2023. The activities performed in the integration bay, both in the dry and wet docks, enabled prior testing of the equipment and systems at the quay.

The Barracuda series is progressing steadily, and the pace is accelerating: the remaining three submarines in the initiative (de Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca) are all currently under construction at various stages. Their deliveries will be staggered at a rate of one every two years until 2030. With a service life extending beyond 30 years, the Barracuda program commits submarine forces until at least 2060, establishing it as one of the significant weapon systems of this century.

It is important to highlight that once the Tourville is integrated into active service, the French Navy will operate a greater number of Suffren-type submarines compared to Rubis-type submarines.

Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group stated: “The Barracuda series signifies a prominent industrial initiative. It unites our employees, partners, and subcontractors. I want to emphasize the unwavering dedication and expertise of our teams along with those of TechnicAtome, DGA, CEA, and the French Navy. Thanks to the commitment of all these participants, we can respond swiftly and efficiently to the requirements of the French Navy and France.”

Industrial Excellence on a Local and National Level

The fabrication of these submarines integrates a vast array of exceptional talents and knowledge, particularly in the most cutting-edge technological sectors. The Barracuda program relies on the expertise of Naval Group across its various locations, as well as TechnicAtome’s industrial facilities and numerous partner enterprises.

This initiative represents the collective efforts of hundreds of partners in the defense industrial and technological sector who have collaborated with Naval Group over several decades:

• Numerous years were essential to evaluate the viability of the project, leading to the formulation of a submarine that satisfies the operational demands of this notably ambitious undertaking on technological and military fronts;
• Since the inception of the project, nearly 10,000 individuals from the program management and industrial subcontracting chain have contributed to the Barracuda program;
• A total of 2,500 individuals (including around 800 from Naval Group subcontractors) are currently engaged in the Barracuda series;
• Since 2015, between 400 and 600 personnel have been dedicated to the production of the Tourville.

Barracuda: French Excellence in Naval Technology

Designed to fulfill the operational demands of both current and future naval forces, the Suffren class SSN boasts extensive operational capabilities and state-of-the-art technologies. More adaptable, more powerful, and better-armed than its predecessors, the Suffren-type SSN will empower the Navy to operate more rapidly and efficiently. It is engineered to exert control over various maritime environments, from the open ocean to coastal zones.

This submarine is outfitted with nuclear propulsion, which provides an impressive operational range and stealth. It also includes advanced communication systems allowing for seamless integration within a naval force.

The Suffren-type SSN ranks among the world’s most stealthy submarines. This attribute, combined with its advanced detection capabilities, ensures its acoustic supremacy. With enhanced autonomy, these submarines are also more agile and mobile due to their superior navigation and communication systems and their centralized and automated navigation controls. A significant innovation is the optronic mast, which substitutes the telescopic mast, ensuring superior visual information gathering and sharing among the crew. This cutting-edge feature, coupled with advanced detection technologies, reinforces the dominance of these SSNs in intelligence operations.

The Barracuda-class submarines will also grant the French Navy a tactical edge in combat, courtesy of the naval cruise missiles (MdCN) produced by MBDA, bestowing it with deep-water precision strike capabilities for the first time. They are additionally equipped with the F21 heavyweight torpedo manufactured by Naval Group and MBDA’s SM39 anti-ship missile. Furthermore, these SSNs boast enhanced capacities for the covert deployment of special forces underwater.

Technical Specifications of the Barracuda

• Surface displacement: 4,700 tonnes;
• Diving displacement: 5,200 tonnes;
• Length: 99 metres; Diameter: 8.8 metres;
• Armament: naval cruise missiles, F21 heavyweight wire-guided torpedoes, enhanced Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles;
• Hybrid propulsion: pressurized water reactor derived from the reactors aboard the Triomphant-type SSBN and Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier, two propulsion turbines, two turbo generators, and two electric motors;
• Crew: 65 crew members + commandos;
• Availability: > 270 days per year.