On 24 June 2026, Naval Group delivered the De Grasse, fourth in a series of six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) built in Cherbourg for the FrenchNavy under the Barracuda program managed by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA).
Benefiting from feedback gained from the first three submarines of the program, the delivery of the SSN De Grasse comes exactly four months after the submarine’s first sea trials. Since being rolled out of its construction hall in May 2025, the SSN De Grasse has successively completed its dockside trials, the commissioning of its nuclear boiler room in December 2025, and a four-month sea trials campaign that began on February 24, 2026.
This delivery marks an important milestone in the Barracuda program for which the first three SSNs have already entered active service (Suffren in June 2022, Duguay-Trouin in April 2024, and Tourville in July 2025). The final two submarines of the program (Rubis and Casabianca) are currently under construction at various stages of completion, with deliveries scheduled through the end of the decade.
This series of six SSNs is part of the Barracuda program led by French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) in partnership with the the Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA)) for nuclear boilers, aims to replace the generation of Rubis-class SSNs in service within the French Navy.
Naval Group, in cooperation with its partners, is responsible for the production of this series of submarines, from design to shipbuilding, for manufacturing 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.
Technical Characteristics:
- Surface displacement: 4,700 tonnes
- Underwater displacement: : 5,200 tonnes
- Length: 99 metres
- Diameter: 8.8 metres
- Armament: naval cruise missiles (NCM), F21 heavyweight torpedoes, modernised 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: 65 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 knowhow 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 with n 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 4.679 billion euros and has 17,170 employees (Full-Time Equivalent average annual workforce - figures as on 31 December 2025).
