Suffren Class (Barracuda)
Type: Submarine
Domain: sea
Country of Origin: France
Manufacturer: Naval Group
Overview
France's new-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) replacing the aging Rubis class. Displacement of 5,300 tonnes submerged with a crew of 65 — highly automated for reduced manning. Powered by a hybrid propulsion system combining a K15 nuclear reactor with pump-jet propulsor for exceptional acoustic stealth. Armed with F21 heavyweight torpedoes, Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles, and SCALP Naval (MdCN) cruise missiles for strategic land-attack — the first French SSN with this capability. Can deploy special forces via a dry deck shelter. Six boats ordered: Suffren and Duguay-Trouin commissioned, with four more building. Represents a generational leap in French submarine capability.
Technical Specifications
| crew | 65 |
|---|---|
| beam_m | 8.8 |
| depth_m | 350 |
| armament | 4x 533mm torpedo tubes, F21 Black Shark torpedo, SM39 Exocet, MdCN cruise missile 1000km range |
| length_m | 99.5 |
| endurance | Unlimited nuclear |
| propulsion | K-15 pressurized water reactor 48 MW single shaft |
| hulls_planned | 6 |
| speed_knots_submerged | 25 |
| displacement_submerged_tonnes | 5300 |
Operators
- France
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