The French Navy’s fourth of six Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarines, SSN De Grasse, has conducted its initial sea trial on 24 February 2026.
Naval Group oversees the design, construction, and production of primary components for the six submarines.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
SSN De Grasse, scheduled for delivery later in the year, will proceed through a series of further evaluations to assess its performance, the French shipbuilder said.
Since its launch in May 2025, the vessel underwent dockside assessments and saw its nuclear reactor commissioned in December 2025. These processes included checks of equipment and systems both in assembly halls and in dry and water-filled docks.
The commencement of sea trials represents a significant development in the ongoing Barracuda programme, according to Naval Group.
The first two submarines from the class namely SSN Suffren and SSN Duguay-Trouin, entered active service in June 2022 and April 2024, respectively.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataNaval Group handed over the French Navy’s third submarine, SSN Tourville, to the Directorate-General for Armaments (DGA) in November 2024. The vessel entered active service in July 2025.
Construction continues on the remaining two vessels, SSN Rubis and SSN Casabianca, with deliveries expected to extend through to the end of the decade.
The Barracuda programme is managed by the French defence procurement agency (DGA), in collaboration with the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA) for the nuclear power elements.
The programme is intended to replace the ageing Ruby-class submarines introduced in the 1980s.
The Barracuda-class features a projected operational lifespan exceeding 30 years, positioning it as a central element of France’s naval capability through at least 2060.
Naval Group is working together with TechnicAtome on the nuclear boilers of the six submarines. Additionally, Naval Group handles logistical support and maintenance for the fleet stationed in Toulon.
Approximately 2,500 personnel including around 800 subcontractors are currently involved in production across the series.
The submarines are equipped with MBDA naval cruise missiles (NCM), F21 heavyweight torpedoes produced by Naval Group, and SM39 anti-ship missiles supplied by MBDA. They offer capabilities for discreet Special Forces deployment underwater.
The Barracuda-class submarines have a surface displacement of 4,700 tonnes (t) and reach 5,200t when submerged. Each vessel measures 99 metres (m) in length with a diameter of 8.8m.
Propulsion is provided by a pressurised water reactor, similar to those used on Triomphant-class SSBNs and the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier.
The standard crew complement is 63, in addition to embarked commandos. The submarines are available for operational deployment for more than 270 days each year.
