Image source: topwar.ru
The multipurpose nuclear submarine De Grasse, the 4th submarine of the Barracuda project, laid down in 2014 for the French Navy, has begun sea trials.
Currently, the French navy has 5 operational submarines: three of the Barracuda type (Suffren, Duguay-Trouin and Tourville) and two of the Rubis project (Améthyste and Perle). At the same time, the remaining Rubis will be decommissioned in the coming years. As planned, the updated Navy will eventually include 6 Barracuda-class submarines by 2030.
The Barracuda submarines have a displacement of 5,300 tons and a length of 99 m. They are equipped with sensors that, according to the command, are 10-15 times more powerful than the sensors of the Rubis submarine.
Unlike the Russian Yasen or the American Virginia Barracuda, it does not have dedicated missile silos. All its combat stuffing is launched through torpedo tubes. The total capacity is 24 units of heavy weapons, of which 20 are placed on racks inside the boat and 4 more can be located directly in the TA.
Premier League De Grasse:
Image source: topwar.ru
The ratio of missiles and torpedoes is not fixed. MdCN (CR for ground strikes) have a warhead weighing about 250-300 kg and a range of over 1000 km, Exocet SM39 anti–ship missiles – 165 kg and about 50 km, F21 fiber-optic torpedoes - about 250 kg and over 50 km. Instead of these weapons, FG29 naval mines can be deployed. There is a removable container on board for the PSM3G submarine used by the MTR forces (in the future– for D-19 UUV underwater drones).
Regarding the Barracuda armament, Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Naval Staff, noted:
