DCNS Offers Its Most Advanced Submarine, The Shortfin Barracuda To Australia

DCNS has offered the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A as its pre-concept design for Australia’s future submarine Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP).

The submarine, which DCNS claims to be “the world’s most advanced conventionally powered submarine,” takes its name from the Shortfin Barracuda, an indigenous species of the Barracuda found in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

DCNS has developed the Shortfin Barracuda with state-of-the-art technology from its larger cousin, the French Navy’s Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine, to meet the CEP requirements.

“While exact details remain confidential, DCNS can confirm the Shortfin Barracuda is over 90 metres in length and displaces more than 4,000 tons when dived,” said Sean Costello, CEO DCNS Australia.

“If selected the Shortfin Barracuda will remain in service until the 2060s and the Block 1A platform will be updated and upgraded with new technology developed in France and Australia,” Mr Costello said.

“The technical evolution of the submarine will be enabled by a strategic level Government to Government agreement between France and Australia.”

An Australian media report claimed that DCNS will offer Australia its stealth technology for submarines, never before shared abroad, if it wins the deal to build Australia's fleet of next-generation submarines.