Barracuda launch sees France open new nuclear chapter

12th July 2019 - 16:41 GMT | by Richard Thomas in Cherbourg

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The product of a generation of intellectual and physical labour from French industry, government and military agencies, the first of the French Navy’s Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine was launched at a ceremony at Naval Group’s facility in Cherbourg on 12 July.

Drawing dignitaries and guests from across France and overseas, including India, the Netherlands and Brazil to name a few, Suffren will, along with five future boats, replace the ageing six-strong fleet of Rubis-class nuclear submarines currently in service.

The first of the nuclear-powered Barracuda design from Naval Group, Suffren will eventually be joined by five other boats …

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