Photo: Laurent Pellier / Marine Nationale Défense

Fourth Barracuda-Class Submarine De Grasse Begins Sea Trials

Our Bureau - : Feb 26, 2026 - : 11:31 pm

Naval Group has commenced the first sea trial of the De Grasse, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) destined for the French Navy. The vessel conducted its initial manoeuvres on 24 February 2026, following a series of dock tests...

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Naval Group has commenced the first sea trial of the De Grasse, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) destined for the French Navy. The vessel conducted its initial manoeuvres on 24 February 2026, following a series of dock tests and the commissioning of its nuclear reactor in December 2025. The De Grasse will now undergo extensive performance testing before its scheduled delivery to the French Navy later this year. This milestone follows the successful integration of the first three submarines in the class - Suffren, Duguay-Trouin, and Tourville - which were admitted to active duty between June 2022 and July 2025.

The Barracuda programme, led by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) in partnership with the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA), aims to replace the six ageing Ruby-class submarines. Naval Group serves as the prime contractor for the design and construction, while TechnicAtome develops the nuclear boilers. With an operational lifespan exceeding 30 years, the programme is expected to sustain French submarine forces until at least 2060. The final two vessels in the series, Rubis and Casabianca, are currently at various stages of construction, with deliveries expected to continue through the end of the decade.

These vessels are designed for increased versatility and stealth compared to their predecessors, featuring a surface displacement of 4,700 tonnes and a diving displacement of 5,200 tonnes. The hull measures 99 metres in length with a diameter of 8.8 metres. Armament consists of MBDA naval cruise missiles (NCM) for deep-strike capabilities, F21 heavyweight wire-guided torpedoes, and SM39 anti-ship missiles. Hybrid propulsion is provided by a pressurised water reactor, one propulsion turbine, two turbo generators, and two electric motors. Each submarine is manned by a crew of 63 and includes dedicated facilities for the discrete deployment of Special Forces.

Operational availability for the class is rated at more than 270 days per year. Approximately 2,500 personnel, including 800 subcontractors, are currently engaged in the production of the Barracuda series. Beyond construction, Naval Group is also responsible for providing logistical support and maintenance services for the fleet at Toulon.

Naval-group / French-navy / Barracuda-class-submarine /

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