RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
Suffren-class SSN Duguay-Trouin. (Photo: Naval Group)
France’s Suffren-class SSN project took another step forward on 3 October with the firing up of the nuclear reactor aboard the second-in-class boat Duguay-Trouin.
Starting up the submarine's nuclear boiler room involved triggering the first controlled nuclear reaction in the submarine’s nuclear reactor.
The nuclear start-up will be followed by sea trials of the boat ahead of its delivery to the French Navy in 2023.
France is building six new Suffren-class submarines under a project to replace its Rubis-class boats.
The first-in-class Suffren joined the French fleet in 2022.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Suffren-class SSNs will have a surface displacement of 4,700t and a dived displacement of 5,300t, a length of 99.5m, a beam of 8.8m and a draft of 7.8m.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.