France Receives Third Barracuda-Class Nuclear Submarine, Tourville

The French Armament Agency (DGA) delivered the nuclear attack submarine (SNA) Tourville to the French Navy in Brest on November 16, the country’s defense ministry announced today.

This marks the third of six submarines being constructed under the Barracuda program, a key effort to modernize France's underwater fleet.

The delivery followed four months of sea trials conducted by the DGA, the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), and the French Navy. These trials, which began on July 12, 2024, tested the Tourville’s systems, performance, and combat capabilities. Trials included static dives, speed assessments, and underwater operations to evaluate the submarine's nuclear propulsion system, combat readiness, and weapons deployment.

The Barracuda program submarines aim to replace the Rubis-class SSNs introduced in the 1980s. Equipped with nuclear propulsion, these submarines offer greater range, speed, and versatility. The Tourville and its counterparts are capable of deploying Special Forces and launching naval cruise missiles (MdCN) at land targets several hundred kilometers away.

The DGA’s Barracuda program aligns with France’s 2024-2030 Military Programming Law, which prioritizes renewing the fleet by 2030. Two Barracuda-class submarines, Suffren and Duguay-Trouin, entered active service in 2022 and 2024, respectively. The remaining three submarines, De Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca, are under construction with staggered deliveries planned until 2030.

The French Navy will now conduct operational tests on the Tourville, aiming to commission it in 2025. These tests will ensure the submarine’s readiness for deployment in near-operational conditions.