The fourth nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) De Grasse, built for the French Navy under the Barracuda program, has begun its first sea trial. The submarine, which carried out its first sailing experience on February 24, 2026, aims to enter the navy’s inventory within this year.
Critical Stage in the Barracuda Program
Launched in May 2025 and with its nuclear reactor activated in December 2025, SSN De Grasse successfully passed assembly line and dock tests. This new phase is of great importance in terms of retiring the six Ruby-class submarines that have been in service since the 1980s and replacing them with modern platforms.
Under the program, three submarines have previously entered service:
- SSN Suffren (June 2022)
- SSN Duguay-Trouin (April 2024)
- SSN Tourville (July 2025)
Construction of the last two members of the series, SSN Rubis and SSN Casabianca, is ongoing. The delivery schedule foresees all vessels entering the inventory by the end of the decade.
Technical Capabilities and Combat Superiority
The Barracuda class, bearing the signature of Naval Group, is the product of a partnership between TechnicAtome and the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in nuclear boiler systems. These new-generation submarines, the work of a team of approximately 2,500 personnel, offer much higher performance and striking power compared to their predecessors.
2060 Vision
The Barracuda program, carried out by the French defense procurement agency DGA, will keep the French submarine force up to date until at least 2060. With its technological infrastructure and variety of munitions, this class is considered one of the most strategic weapon systems of the 21st century.
SOURCE: C4Defence– Naval Group
