On 24 February 2026, SSN De Grasse, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine, has carried out its first sea trial. The submarine will now go through different trials to test its performances before its delivery scheduled later this year to the French Navy.
The first sea trial of the SSN De Grasse follows the dock tests carried out since the launch of the submarine in May 2025, as well as the commissioning of its nuclear reactor in December 2025. The operations successively took place in the assembly hall as well as in the dry and water-filled docks to test equipment and systems.
This new milestone marks an important step in the realization of the Barracuda program for which the first three SSNs have already been admitted to active duty (SSN Suffren in June 2022, SSN Duguay-Trouin in April 2024 and SSN Tourville in July 2025). The last two submarines of the program (SSN Rubis and SSN Casabianca) are currently under construction, at different stages of completion, and their deliveries will be staggered until the end of the decade.
Led by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) in partnership with the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA) for the nuclear boilers part, the Barracuda program aims to replace the six Ruby-class SSNs put into service in the French Navy from the 1980s. Naval Group is in charge of the production of these submarines, from their design to their construction, as well as the manufacture of the main components of the nuclear boilers which are developed and produced with TechnicAtome. Naval Group is also in charge of providing logistical support and maintaining the submarines in Toulon, France.
With a lifespan of more than 30 years, the Barracuda program commits submarine forces until at least 2060, making it one of the major weapons systems of this century. A total of 2,500 women and men, including around 800 subcontractors from Naval Group, are currently contributing to the production of the Barracuda series.
Designed to meet the operational needs of today and tomorrow, the Barracuda-class SSNs are more versatile, higher performing and better armed than their predecessors. Among the world’s stealthiest submarines, they provide the French Navy with a real superiority in combat, notably thanks to MBDA’s naval cruise missiles (NCM) which provide them with a precise deep-strike capability. They are also equipped with the F21 heavyweight torpedo produced by Naval Group and the SM39 anti-ship missile from MBDA. These SSNs are also equipped with enhanced capabilities for discrete deployment of Special Forces underwater.
Technical characteristics of the Barracuda SSNs:
- Surface displacement: 4,700 tons
- Diving displacement: 5,200 tons
- Length: 99 meters
- Diameter: 8.8 meters
- Armament: Naval Cruise Missiles (NCM), F21 heavy-weight wire-guided torpedoes, modernized Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles
- Hybrid propulsion: pressurised water reactor derived from the reactors on board the Triomphant-type SSBN and Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier, one propulsion turbine, two turbo generators and two electric motors
- Crew: 63 crew members + commandos
- Availability: > 270 days per year
As an international naval defence player, Naval Group is a partner for countries seeking to maintain control of their maritime sovereignty. Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet its customers’ requirements. The group is present throughout the entire life cycle of vessels.
Naval Group designs, produces, equips, integrates, supports and upgrades submarines and surface ships, as well as their systems and equipment, right up to the final phases of deconstruction and dismantling. Naval Group’s unique know-how in autonomous systems, underwater weapons and drones place it in pole position to become European leader in the sector.
As a high-tech company, Naval Group draws on its outstanding expertise, unique design and production resources and ability to establish strategic partnerships, in particular within the framework of transfers of technology. It also provides shipyard and naval base services.
Ever mindful of the issues concerning corporate social responsibility (CSR), Naval Group is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact. Located on five continents, the group generates revenue of 4.355 billion euros and has 16,722 employees (Full-Time Equivalent average annual workforce - figures as on 31 December 2024).
