Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has signed a major contract with Naval Group to equip the Barracuda and Scorpène submarine families with next-generation lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems. The agreement is aimed at strengthening technological sovereignty in Europe’s underwater defence capabilities.
The systems, which offer significantly higher energy density compared to lead-acid technology, enhance underwater endurance while improving operational flexibilityplacing them at the heart of naval defence programmes.
Saft Naval Group Battery Systems for Barracuda and Scorpène
Saft’s Li-ion batteries, featuring proprietary cell architecture developed and manufactured in-house, represent a radical leap forward from conventional lead-acid systems. The higher energy density extends submerged mission endurance, while operational performance and mission flexibility are both enhanced. Fully compliant with the defence industry’s most stringent safety and reliability standards, these systems provide submarines with superior tactical manoeuvrability. The French Navy’s newest addition, the Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine SSN De Grasse, serves as a concrete example of a platform that will integrate this next-generation battery technology.
A United Front in European Defence Industry
The agreement deepens the long-standing industrial partnership between the two companies and strengthens Saft’s role in Europe. It also ensures that critical, high-value battery technologies are developed and supplied within the continent. In this respect, the contract stands out as one of the steps reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty in the defence industry. The foundation of this success lies in Saft’s deep-rooted expertise across the entire battery value chain and in the field of electrochemistry.
Cédric Duclos, CEO of Saft: “This contract demonstrates that advanced battery technologies have become a decisive factor in submarine performance. Our Li-ion systems set a new standard in energy density, safety, and reliability, placing Saft at the centre of next-generation naval defence programmes. This is also a clear step forward for Europe’s technological sovereignty.”
Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group: “The integration of Saft’s Li-ion technology into the Barracuda and Scorpène submarine families represents significant added value that will enable us to further enhance our performance at sea.”
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Source: C4Defence–Saft
