France to Test Nuclear Submarine’s Combat Systems, Weapons

After the completion of initial sea trials, France is set to test combat systems, tactical weapons and other military equipment onboard the Navy’s Suffren nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN).

“The nuclear attack submarine Suffren has arrived in Toulon, its future home port! The various sea trials carried out in the English Channel and the Atlantic have ensured performance of the platform,” shipbuilder Naval Group announced July 29.

The boat performed static dive test on April 28, marking the beginning of sea trials for the Barracuda program.

The company said that the submarine is now in the Mediterranean. “The French Armament Directorate (DGA), French Navy, TechnicAtome and Naval Group will conduct the 2nd phase of testing Suffren. Objective: to ensure the performance of the combat system, tactical weapons and strategic military equipment,” Naval Group said.

Launched in 1998, the Barracuda program renews its Ship Subsurface Nuclear (SSN) component composed of six Rubis type SSNs commissioned at the start of eighties. The associated development contract was notified in December 2006.

The delivery of the six submarines will span one decade beginning in 2020.