French Defence Minister Florence Parly announced on 4 May that another Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine was ordered for the French Navy. This will be the fifth Barracuda-class submarine on order with the French Navy.  The first-of-class Suffren was initially expected to be delivered to the navy in 2017 but current predictions say the submarine will be delivered in 2020.

Barracuda-class SSNs will replace the six Rubis-class boats currently in service. Barracuda class submarines has a maximum speed of 25 knots and are able to operate at depths more than 350 metres.