Sea Trials Commence for the French Navy’s Nuclear Attack Submarine ‘Tourville’

The Tourville is one of six Suffren-class submarines in the Barracuda program, intended to replace the aging Rubis-class submarines from the 1980s.
  • Defensemirror.com bureau
  • 07:57 AM, July 13, 2024
  • 2282
Sea Trials Commence for the French Navy’s Nuclear Attack Submarine ‘Tourville’
French Navy’s Nuclear Attack Submarine ‘Tourville’ @France MoD

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The sea trials of the nuclear attack submarine (SNA) Tourville built under France's Barracuda program overseen by the Directorate General for Armaments (DGA), commenced on July 12.

Following extensive dockside trials and final preparations at Naval Group's Cherbourg facility, the Tourville began its sea trials under the supervision of the DGA, in collaboration with the Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) and industry partners. The trials are slated to continue until the submarine's scheduled delivery by the end of 2024.

The sea trials encompass testing of the submarine's systems and capabilities, including propulsion, equipment functionality, and overall operational readiness. Initial tests in the English Channel will be followed by comprehensive evaluations in the Atlantic, ensuring that all technical parameters meet standards set by engineers and technicians involved in the project.

The Tourville is the third of six Suffren-class submarines commissioned under the Barracuda program, designed to replace the aging Rubis-class submarines dating back to the 1980s. Deliveries of the remaining submarines are scheduled through 2030.

Equipped with nuclear propulsion technology, the Barracuda submarines offer extended range and enhanced stealth capabilities, enabling them to deploy special forces and execute precision strikes with naval cruise missiles over vast distances.

As the sea trials progress, the Tourville remains under the operational command of the French Navy while technically owned by Naval Group and TechnicAtome. The DGA and CEA continue to oversee testing activities until final acceptance and delivery to the Navy.

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