Final test phase begins for Suffren
First of six new nuclear attack submarines was handed over to the French Navy on 6 November
The first Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) was handed over on 6 November in Toulon, to begin its final phase of testing with the French Navy.
This follows the completion of sea trials, which began earlier this year. Suffren was assessed for watertightness and underwater manoeuvrability, the performance of the combat management system, tactical weapons and other high-tech equipment.
Each Barracuda-class submarine has a diving displacement of 5,200t and is powered by a hybrid propulsion system including two turbines and two electric motors. Weaponry includes Scalp Naval land attack cruise missiles, F21 heavyweight wire-guided torpedoes, modernised SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and FG29 mines.
French defence procurement agency DGA noted that the second of six Barracuda-class boats will be delivered in 2022 and the final submarine is scheduled to be commissioned in 2030.
However, Shephard Defence Insight notes that the programme had experienced significant delays relating to the development of a new nuclear reactor.
The unit cost is now thought to exceed $2 billion each.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear]()
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
