French Navy’s attack submarine Suffren arrives in Toulon, ready for 2nd phase of trials

Suffren, the French Navy’s new nuclear-powered attack submarine, arrived in Toulon Naval Base in the Mediterranean, her future homeport, on July 28.

The arrival marks an important stage in the sea trials of the first of six new Barracuda submarines, the navy (Marine Nationale) announced in a statement.

After an initial series of tests in the Atlantic, which demonstrated its behavior at sea, the Suffren will now begin new phase of tests, French shipbuilder Naval Group said on social media.

The various sea trials of the Suffren carried out in the English Channel and in the Atlantic have ensured the performance of the platform, of the navigation system and of the high-tech on-board equipment.

As informed, the Directorate General of Armament (DGA), the French Navy, Naval Group and TechnicAtome will conduct the second phase of tests. The trials are aimed at ensuring the performance of the combat system, the tactical weapons and the strategic military equipment.

“We are more than ever mobilized alongside Marine Nationale, DGA, CEA, TechnicAtome and industry partners to carry out this new phase of sea trials that will lead to the delivery of the Suffren this year,” Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, commented.

“Beyond this deadline, the whole Barracuda program is an operational priority for Naval Group to enable Marine Nationale to carry out its mission of supporting France’s sovereignty.”

France expects to introduce all Barracuda submarines – Suffren, Duguay-Trouin, Tourville, Dupetit-Thouars, Duquesne and De Grass – into active service by 2030.

Crewed by 90 sailors, Suffren-class submarines will carry the next-generation type F21 heavyweight torpedoes, SM39 anti-ship missiles and MdCN-type naval cruise missiles. The boats will also be fully equipped for missions with NATO naval forces and special operations.