France unveils the 'De Grasse' nuclear submarine, fourth of the Barracuda class

Cherbourg, May 27, 2025 — Naval Group held the official rollout ceremony on Monday for the De Grasse, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), marking a new milestone in the French Navy’s submarine modernization program.

The vessel, now moved out of its construction hall onto the shiplift platform, is part of a program led by the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), in partnership with the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA), which aims to replace the aging Rubis-class submarines by 2030.

“The De Grasse leaving the construction hall is a key milestone in the Barracuda program,” said Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group. “This achievement highlights the expertise of the French naval industry in service of the Armed Forces.”

Technological Edge and Strategic Capabilities

The Barracuda-class submarines are designed to deliver versatile, modern capabilities, including:

Naval cruise missiles (NCM) from MBDA for long-range strike;
F21 heavyweight torpedoes, wire-guided for precision attacks;
SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles;
Covert deployment of special forces, with a dedicated diver hatch and optional Dry Deck Shelter (DDS) module.

With a submerged displacement of 5,200 tons and a length of 99 meters, the De Grasse features a hybrid propulsion system powered by a pressurized water reactor, one propulsion turbine, two turbo generators, and two electric motors. The reactor is derived from those used on the Triomphant-class SSBNs and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

Each Barracuda-class submarine is designed for high operational availability, exceeding 270 days at sea per year, and accommodates a crew of 63 sailors plus special operations forces.

Large-Scale Production

A total of six submarines of this class are scheduled for delivery by the end of the decade. The De Grasse follows the Suffren, Duguay-Trouin, and Tourville in the construction sequence. The project involves around 2,500 workers, including 800 from Naval Group partners such as TechnicAtome.

Sea trials for the De Grasse are expected to begin in 2026, following dockside tests and systems integration.

Through the Barracuda program, France reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a high-performance submarine fleet and strengthening its maritime sovereignty and strategic deterrence.

SOURCE: Naval Group