Naval Group has moved the fifth Barracuda-class nuclear-powered attack submarine being built for the French Navy out of its shipyard in Cherbourg, marking a significant milestone in the submarine’s construction. The vessel will undergo final fitting-out activities and field testing ahead of its launch.
The programme, initiated in the early 2000s by France’s defence procurement agency, aims to replace the French Navy’s ageing attack submarine fleet dating back to the 1980s. French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin attended the rollout ceremony as the submarine, named Rubis (S639), was transferred onto a specialised floating platform.
Following the completion of systems integration and nuclear reactor activation, the submarine will undergo harbour and sea trials before its formal delivery to the French Navy.
France Targets Six Suffren-Class Submarines by 2030
France’s Barracuda programme, also known as the Suffren-class initiative, covers the construction of six nuclear-powered attack submarines, with the entire fleet expected to become operational by the end of the decade.
Construction of the sixth and final submarine, Casabianca, is underway, with its launch targeted for 2028 and entry into service expected in 2029.
State-owned Naval Group has delivered four submarines under the programme since November 2020. The latest delivery was De Grasse (S638), handed over to the French Navy in June 2026.
The programme draws on approximately 10,000 workers, including 3,000 direct employees, and hundreds of domestic industrial partners, supporting France’s naval shipbuilding capabilities and defence supply chain.
Barracuda-Class Submarine: Design and Capabilities
The Barracuda-class submarine incorporates an X-shaped stern rudder and advanced acoustic isolation to improve manoeuvrability and reduce its acoustic signature. These features support a range of missions, including land-attack operations, intelligence gathering, and covert maritime activities.
The submarine can also support special operations forces through a dry deck shelter, enabling the deployment of personnel for specialised underwater missions.
The submarine features integrated communications, navigation, weapons-support systems, and countermeasures designed to enhance operational effectiveness and survivability.
Its armament includes 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching F21 heavyweight torpedoes, MdCN land-attack cruise missiles, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and FG29 naval mines. The platform can also deploy D-19T unmanned underwater vehicles for specialised underwater operations.
The continued construction of the Suffren-class fleet represents a major investment in France’s undersea warfare capabilities, strengthening its ability to conduct covert operations, gather intelligence, and engage maritime and land-based targets.
