Naval Group has delivered the French Navy’s third of six Barracuda nuclear attack submarines (SNA), Tourville, to the Directorate-General for Armaments (DGA) during a ceremony in Brest.

The handover marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of France's submarine fleet under the Barracuda programme.

During a four-month sea trials programme, which commenced on 12 July 2024, the 99 metre long Tourville submarine underwent various tests and its performance was thoroughly tested.

Conducted by a team comprising marine experts, the DGA, Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission’s (CEA) Military Applications Department, Naval Group, and TechnicAtome, the sea trials validated the submarine's systems and equipment.

The trials were carried out off the coasts of Cherbourg, Brest, and Lorient.

The tests included a static dive to assess the submarine's weighing and stability, speed tests while surfaced and submerged, and evaluations of its combat system's functionality, including weapons deployment and communication capabilities.

The French Navy will now proceed with operational testing, aiming for the new submarine to enter active service by 2025.

Managed by the DGA, the Barracuda programme aims to replace the Rubis-type SNAs commissioned in the 1980s. It will see all six submarines delivered by 2030.

The first two, Suffren and Duguay-Trouin, joined the fleet in June 2022 and April 2024, respectively. The remaining three, De Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca, are at different construction stages.

Featuring nuclear propulsion to offer enhance range and stealth capabilities, the new Barracuda-class submarines are designed to be faster, more enduring, and versatile, capable of deploying special forces and striking ground targets with the Naval Cruise Missile (MdCN).

The boats have a surface displacement of 4,700 tonnes and can accommodate 65 plus commandos.