Barracuda-class (Suffren)

Summary

Description

The Barracuda class, also known as the Suffren class, represents a new generation of nuclear attack submarines developed by the French shipbuilder Naval Group for the French Navy. It is slated to replace the older Rubis-class submarines. Construction of the fleet began in 2007, with the inaugural vessel, Suffren, commissioned on 6 November 2020 and entering service on 3 June 2022.

The project team was assembled in October 1998, consisting of the Naval Staff, DCN (now Naval Group), Technicatome, and the Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique. Naval Group was the main designer and builder, while Technicatome (subsequently acquired by Areva) was tasked with nuclear power plant development. Their combined efforts were to minimize industrial risks, manage the timeline, and ensure design performance amidst an initial estimate of $4.9 billion for the program. A €7.9 billion order was placed on 22 December 2006 for six Barracuda submarines. The initial delivery was scheduled for 2016/2017, but actual service begin was deferred to the early 2020s. The second vessel of the class, Duguay-Trouin, experienced delays, commencing sea trials on 26 March 2023.

The design offers a conventionally-powered variant called the SMX-Ocean, featuring fuel cells and vertical launchers. Moreover, the Shortfin Barracuda, a diesel-electric variant, was proposed to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to replace the Collins-class submarines with an initial contract for 12 vessels to commence service from 2032. Nevertheless, this contract was nullified on 16 September 2021 in favor of a trilateral pact (AUKUS) that would provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines instead. Naval Group also proposes the Shortfin variant to replace the Royal Netherlands Navy's Walrus-class submarines.

The Barracuda integrates Triomphant class technology, such as pump-jet propulsion, producing significantly less detectable noise compared to predecessors and boasts a tenfold increase in sensitivity for submarine detection. The submarines are equipped with torpedo tube-launched MdCN cruise missiles capable of striking strategic land targets over 1,000 kilometers away. Its roles will include anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, land attack, intelligence gathering, crisis management, and special operations. The newly designed nuclear reactor increases the interval between refuelings and complex overhauls from 7 to 10 years, allowing for more time at sea. In addition, the submarine is capable of conveying up to 15 Commandos Marine and features a removable dry deck shelter to accommodate a new generation special warfare underwater vehicle.

In the global market, variants of the Barracuda are still in competition, such as the Shortfin Barracuda proposal for the Dutch Navy, vying against the Saab A26 and TKMS Type 212 submarine designs. Integration of advanced systems such as the ALRO optical technology towed array sonar and missile replacements like the FMAN/FMC and VL MICA NG are expected for the Barracuda-class submarines to maintain technological superiority and preparedness for various mission demands.

Technical specifications

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