The French Navy’s first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) “Suffren” successfully completed its static dive test on April 28. The important milestone marked the start of sea trials for the Barracuda program.
The next generation submarine went out to sea for the very first time, off Cherbourg in Normandie, where the Naval Group submarine shipyard is located.
Led by the French Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), these sea trials will confirm the seaworthiness and efficiency of the submarine before its delivery to the French Navy (Marine Nationale).
This next generation submarine has a length of 99 meters and a submerged displacement of 5,300 tonnes. It has a crew of 65 sailors and accommodations for 15 naval special force operators. Its weapon systems include naval cruise missiles, F21 heavy-weight torpedoes, Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles and sea mines.