The French Ministry of Defence announced the commencement of sea trials for the nuclear attack submarine (SNA) Tourville on 12 July 2024, following extensive works and dockside testing since transfer from the Naval Group construction hall in Cherbourg to the launching facility in July 2023.
The Barracuda programme, managed by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), aims to renew the French Navy’s fleet of nuclear attack submarines by 2030. The programme includes six submarines, with the Tourville following the Suffren and Duguay-Trouin, which were inducted into service in June 2022 and April 2024, respectively. The remaining submarines—Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca—are at various stages of construction, with all deliveries expected by 2030, aligning with the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law.
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The sea trials, which will be conducted by the Tourville‘s crew alongside engineers and technicians from the DGA, Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission’s (CEA) Military Applications Department, Naval Group, and TechnicAtome, will test the submarine’s technical and operational capabilities. Initially, trials will take place in the Channel, followed by more extensive testing in the Atlantic Ocean, scheduled to continue until the submarine’s delivery at the end of 2024.
The Barracuda-class submarines represent a significant technological advancement, featuring enhanced speed, durability, and versatility compared to their predecessors. These submarines are equipped with advanced nuclear propulsion systems, offering remarkable range and stealth capabilities. They are also capable of supporting special forces operations and conducting land strikes with naval cruise missiles over several hundred kilometres, ensuring that France remains among the few nations with cutting-edge nuclear attack submarine capabilities.
The Tourville underwent rigorous testing of its onboard systems and equipment, including the crucial start-up of its nuclear boiler room on 24 April 2024. These preliminary tests, conducted in the Cachin basin, confirmed the submarine as watertight and demonstrated the effectiveness of its propulsion capabilities.
Throughout the sea trials phase, the Tourville remains under the ownership of Naval Group and TechnicAtome, while the French Navy oversees its operational command and serves as the delegated nuclear operator. The DGA and the CEA, as project owners, are responsible for the trials until the submarine is formally handed over to the French Navy.
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