“Charting New Waters: Naval Group Introduces the De Grasse, Their Latest Barracuda-Class Nuclear Submarine”
On 27 May 2025, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear strike submarine (SSN) departed its assembly hall to be relocated to the DME floating platform-style shiplift. The De Grasse is a part of a sequence comprising six Suffren-class SSNs intended to progressively replace the Rubis-class submarines of the French Navy.
The De Grasse symbolizes the fourth vessel of the Barracuda project. Its launch signifies a substantial leap forward in the program’s evolution, setting the stage for the initiation of its maritime trials in 2026. Prior to that, final adjustments and initial assessments will be
performed at the dock.
“The introduction of the De Grasse denotes a vital landmark for the Barracuda program,” stated Pierre Éric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group. “I wish to recognize the dedication and proficiency of the teams at Naval Group, along with TechnicAtome, the DGA, the CEA, the French Navy, and all our collaborators. Reaching this milestone reflects the expertise and professionalism of the French naval sector, which proudly supports our military forces.”
A notable initiative that capitalizes on the knowledge of the French defense industrial and technological domain
Directed by the French defense procurement authority (Direction générale de l’armement – DGA), in partnership with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) responsible for the nuclear steam supply system, the Barracuda project is designed to replace the Ruby-class nuclear attack submarines introduced in the early 1980s. The agenda includes the delivery of 6 submarines by 2030.
The Barracuda initiative utilizes the resources of all Naval Group facilities, alongside those of TechnicAtome and several collaborative enterprises.
Naval Group supervises the development of this series of six submarines, covering aspects from design to vessel construction, the manufacturing of essential components for the nuclear steam supply system developed together with TechnicAtome, along with logistical support and maintenance of the submarines in Toulon.
The Barracuda-class submarines provide the French Navy with substantial deep strike capabilities, supported by 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 facilitate the secret deployment of Special Forces underwater, particularly enabled by its “divers hatch” and the optional capacity for a dry deck shelter for deploying underwater vehicles.
This remarkable technological progress and capability enhancement result from over two decades of collaborative endeavors between Naval Group and numerous partners within the defense industrial and technological landscape.
A workforce of 2,500 individuals (including around 800 from Naval Group subcontractors) is involved in designing and fabricating the Barracuda submarines.
Technical specifications of the Barracuda SSNs
- Surface displacement: 4,700 tons
- Diving displacement: 5,200 tons
- Length: 99 meters
- Diameter: 8.8 meters
- Armament: naval cruise missiles, F21 heavyweight wire-guided torpedoes, modernized
Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles - Hybrid propulsion: pressurized water reactor derived from the reactors deployed on the Triomphant-class SSBN and Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier, one propulsion turbine, two turbo generators, and two electric motors;
- Personnel: 63 crew members + commandos
- Operational availability: > 270 days per annum
