{"id":21963,"date":"2025-10-04T18:10:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T17:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visegradpost.com\/?p=21963"},"modified":"2025-10-02T14:55:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T13:55:07","slug":"france-unveils-de-grasse-fourth-barracuda-nuclear-submarine-extends-patrols-to-270-days-armed-to-strike-land-targets-over-620-miles-away","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visegradpost.com\/en\/2025\/10\/04\/france-unveils-de-grasse-fourth-barracuda-nuclear-submarine-extends-patrols-to-270-days-armed-to-strike-land-targets-over-620-miles-away\/","title":{"rendered":"“France Unveils De Grasse”: Fourth Barracuda Nuclear Submarine Extends Patrols To 270 Days, Armed To Strike Land Targets Over 620 Miles Away"},"content":{"rendered":"
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IN A NUTSHELL<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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  • \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 France<\/strong> unveils the De Grasse, enhancing its naval modernization with advanced nuclear-powered technology.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83d\udd0b The Barracuda submarines boast a hybrid propulsion system<\/strong> for extended patrols over 270 days.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83d\ude80 Armed with precision-guided missiles<\/strong>, the submarines can strike targets beyond 620 miles.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83e\udd1d Addition of Barracuda submarines strengthens NATO’s presence<\/strong> in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

    The unveiling of the De Grasse, the fourth submarine in France’s Barracuda series, marks a significant step forward in France’s naval modernization efforts. The Barracuda program is a \u20ac10 billion initiative aimed at replacing the aging Rubis-class submarines with state-of-the-art nuclear-powered attack submarines by 2030. This development underscores France’s commitment to maintaining a robust maritime defense capability. The De Grasse’s introduction into the French Navy is part of this larger strategic vision, showcasing advancements in submarine technology and highlighting France’s industrial prowess in defense manufacturing.<\/p>\n

    The Barracuda Program: A Technological Leap<\/h2>\n

    The Barracuda program represents a significant investment in France’s defense infrastructure, with the aim of replacing the outdated Rubis-class submarines. This initiative, managed by the French defense procurement agency in partnership with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, seeks to modernize France’s undersea warfare capabilities. The program plans to deliver six new-generation nuclear attack submarines by the end of the decade, ensuring that France maintains a cutting-edge fleet.<\/p>\n

    Naval Group, the primary contractor, is at the forefront of this endeavor, responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of these submarines. The company collaborates with TechnicAtome to integrate the nuclear steam supply system, a crucial component of the submarine’s propulsion mechanism. This collaboration involves over 2,500 personnel, including 800 subcontractors, emphasizing the program’s industrial depth and national significance.<\/p>\n

    The rollout of the De Grasse is a testament to the excellence of France\u2019s naval industry and its critical role in national sovereignty.<\/p>\n

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    The Barracuda submarines represent a generational leap in capabilities, featuring a displacement of up to 5,200 tons and a length of 324 feet. These submarines are designed to balance stealth, endurance, and multirole flexibility, making them a formidable addition to France’s naval arsenal.<\/p>\n

    Advanced Endurance and Armament<\/h2>\n

    The De Grasse and its Barracuda counterparts boast a propulsion system rooted in a hybrid configuration centered on a pressurized water reactor. This design, derived from the technology used in the Triomphant-class SSBNs and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, allows for extended patrol durations exceeding 270 days. Such endurance is pivotal for sustained operations in diverse maritime environments.<\/p>\n

    Armed with MBDA\u2019s naval cruise missiles, the Barracuda submarines can strike land targets over 620 miles away. Additionally, they are equipped with SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and advanced F21 heavyweight torpedoes, bolstering their offensive capabilities. A diver\u2019s lockout chamber and an optional dry deck shelter enhance their ability to deploy Special Forces and underwater autonomous systems, thus expanding France’s strategic reconnaissance and covert operation capacities.<\/p>\n

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