Inside France’s Most Advanced Nuclear Submarines: The Suffren Class in Detail

The nuclear submarines of the Suffren class, also known as Barracuda, represent the new generation of nuclear attack submarines (SSN) for the French Navy, designed to replace the Rubis class submarines.

+ Click here to watch the presentation video of the Suffren-class Submarine

Developed by the French company Naval Group, these submarines combine cutting-edge technology, high stealth, and operational versatility, placing France at the forefront of submarine warfare.

+ Video: French nuclear submarine sinks corvette in advanced torpedo exercise

Technical Specifications

Suffren-class submarines are designed to deliver superior performance in combat, intelligence gathering, and special operations. Key specifications include:

• Displacement:
  • 5,300 tons submerged.
  • 4,700 tons on the surface.
• Length: 99.5 meters.
• Hull Diameter: 8.8 meters.
• Maximum Speed:
  • 25 knots (submerged).
  • 15 knots (on the surface).
• Operational Depth: Approximately 350 meters.
• Endurance:
  • Capable of operating for up to 70 days at sea.
  • Nuclear propulsion enables virtually unlimited range.
• Crew: 65 members, including special forces operators.

Armament

Suffren-class submarines are heavily armed and prepared for multiple combat scenarios:

• Torpedo Tubes:
  • Six 533 mm tubes.
  • Capable of launching heavy F21 torpedoes and Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles.
• Cruise Missiles:
  • Equipped with MDCN (Missiles de Croisière Naval), with a range exceeding 1,000 km, allowing precise strikes on land targets.
• Naval Mines:
  • Capable of deploying mines for strategic area control.

Functions and Versatility

Suffren-class submarines perform a variety of strategic roles:

• Naval Defense:
  • Protecting aircraft carriers, convoys, and strategic maritime areas.
• Precision Strikes:
  • Capability to conduct strikes on land targets using cruise missiles.
• Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface Warfare:
  • Detecting and destroying enemy submarines and ships.
• Special Operations:
  • Equipped with decompression chambers for combat divers and compartments for transporting special forces.

Stealth and Advanced Technology

The Suffren class is designed with high priority on stealth, ensuring difficulty in detection by enemy sensors. Technologies include:

• Silent Nuclear Propulsion: Enables long-duration operations without refueling.
• Advanced Sonar: Equipped with passive and active systems for threat detection.
• Anechoic Coating: Reduces reflection of enemy sonar waves.
• Electronic Warfare Systems: For jamming and self-protection.

Suffren-Class Submarines

The Suffren class is planned to include six submarines with the following statuses:

• Suffren (S635): Launched in 2020 and in service.
• Duguay-Trouin: Delivered and operational.
• Tourville: Under construction.
• De Grasse: Under construction.
• Rubis: Planned.
• Casabianca: Planned.

Strategic Importance

The Suffren class represents a central element of France’s maritime defense strategy, enabling power projection in distant waters and reinforcing nuclear deterrence. These submarines combine long-range strike capability with intelligence and stealth, maintaining France as a global naval power.

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Source and images: Naval Group / French Ministry of Defense. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.