French shipbuilding company Naval Group rolled out the third Barracuda-class submarine last week.
The nuclear-powered attack submarine will now undergo completion work and initial trials in dock before sea trials in 2024, Naval Group said.
The vessel is part of a fleet of six submarines that will gradually replace the Rubis class currently in service with the French Navy.
The first of the six Rubis submarines was commissioned in 1983, with two retiring in 2019 and 2022.
Price Tag of $10 Billion
The Barracuda fleet reportedly costs around 9.1 billion euros ($10.1 billion), excluding maintenance, with an expected lifespan of up to 2060.
The 99-meter (325-foot) long, 8.8-meter (29-foot) wide vessel has a surface displacement of 4,700 tons and a diving displacement of 5,200 tons.
Armaments
The underwater vessel has an MBDA naval cruise missile that can strike targets up to 620 miles (998 kilometers) away.
Additional weapons include Naval Group’s F21 heavyweight torpedo and MBDA’s Exocet SM39 anti-ship missile.
According to the manufacturer, the vessel is capable of “discreet deployment of special forces underwater, in particular, thanks to its diver’s hatch and optional dry deck shelter allowing the deployment of underwater vehicles.”
The sub can accommodate a crew of 63 commandos and be available over 270 days per year.
Project Employed 2,500 People
Naval Group was in charge of designing and producing the vessel, including manufacturing its main components, such as the nuclear boilers developed and produced with TechnicAtome.
The company will also be in charge of its logistical support and maintenance in Toulon.
A total of 2,500 people have contributed to the design and construction.
“The rollout of the third Barracuda submarine is a major milestone for Naval Group and all its partners, in particular TechnicAtome and the CEA (French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission),” Naval Group CEO Pierre Eric Pommellet said.
“We are fully committed to this major program, which we are proud to lead on behalf of the [defense procurement agency] and the French Navy, and which will provide France with an unrivaled defense tool.”
