The French army is launching a ramp-up in terms of its nuclear submarines. For this, it is developing the Barracuda, a cutting-edge technology program. The third of the name, called the Tourville, has just been delivered.
France has a new nuclear submarine
The Tourville, third nuclear attack submarine (SNA) of the Barracuda class, marks a crucial step for the French navy. Delivered a few days ago by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), this new flagship is part of a national strategy to modernize naval forces, gradually replacing the aging Rubis class submarines.
Launched to meet the growing demands of modern naval operations, the Barracuda program, carried out in collaboration between the DGA and the CEA (Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission), aims to strengthen French strategic capabilities. Le Tourville succeeds Le Suffren (2020) and Le Duguay-Trouin (2023), thus consolidating a fleet of new generation SNAs.
This program demonstrates advances in nuclear propulsion, with pressurized water reactors derived from ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. This technology gives the Barracuda exceptional operational endurance and unprecedented discretion.
A rigorous testing phase
Before delivery, the Tourville underwent a series of demanding tests. This includes an activation of the nuclear propulsion system, carried out in April 2024. But also, in-depth dockside tests carried out after its transfer to the launch system in July 2023. Not forgetting sea test campaigns carried out this summer.
The Tourville embodies remarkable operational versatility thanks to its cutting-edge equipment. It has naval cruise missiles for precise land strikes, modernized Exocet anti-ship missiles and heavy F21 torpedoes, adapted to complex submarine conflicts. With accommodation capacity for 65 crew members and commandos, this SNA is designed for missions ranging from anti-submarine warfare to special operations on the high seas.
The Tourville is just one step in a constantly evolving program. Three other Barracuda-class SNAs – the De Grasse, the Rubis and the Casabianca – are under construction in Cherbourg, with timetables that maintain the pace of modernization. The De Grasse is expected to reach its launch system in spring 2025.
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