Launch of De Grasse Submarine
Naval Group has officially launched the fourth submarine in the Barracuda class, named De Grasse, at a ceremony held in Cherbourg, France. This milestone signifies a major advancement in the modernization of the French Navy, as the De Grasse is scheduled to undergo comprehensive outfitting and rigorous testing prior to its anticipated sea trials, which are set to begin in 2026.
The De Grasse is the fourth submarine in a series of six that are being constructed to replace the aging Rubis-class submarines currently in service. In a notable timeline leading up to this launch, the third submarine, Tourville, was delivered to the French defense procurement agency in November of the previous year and is expected to start its maiden sea trials in July 2024.
