Article Posted on : - Jul 06, 2011

Barracuda-type nuclear-powered attack submarine.

PARIS (BNS): The Defence procurement agency (DGA) of France has ordered third Barracuda-type nuclear-powered attack submarine from DCNS.

The Barracuda-type SSNs will replace the six Rubis-class boats currently in service with French Navy.

The Barracuda will be armed with next-generation type F21 heavyweight torpedoes Artemis, 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.

In 2006, French Navy has signed six next-generation submarines contract with DCNS, which will be delivered in between 2017 to 2028 from DCNS.

DCNS is the programme prime contractor. The first-of-class Suffren and second-of-class Duguay-Trouin are under construction at the Group’s Cherbourg shipyard supported by DCNS centres around the country.