Naval Group Launches 'Tourville' Nuclear Attack Submarine for French Navy

Naval Group launched the third Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) for the French Navy, the “Tourville” (S637), on July 20.

The company said in a statement that the Barracuda-class submarine has left its construction hall in order to be transferred to the floating platform-type shiplift. It is part of a series of six SSNs that will gradually replace the Navy’s Rubis-class.

The Barracuda-class submarines will provide the French Navy with a deep strike capability thanks to MBDA’s naval cruise missiles (NCM). They are also equipped with the F21 heavyweight torpedo produced by Naval Group and the SM39 anti-ship missile from MBDA. These SSNs also allow the discreet deployment of Special Forces underwater, in particular thanks to its “divers hatch” and the optional carrying of a dry deck shelter allowing for the deployment of underwater vehicles.