Naval Group has moved the fifth Barracuda-class nuclear-powered attack submarine for the French Navy out of its Cherbourg shipyard, marking progress towards launch preparations and testing. The submarine, named Rubis (S639) in the supplied report, was transferred onto a specialised floating platform in an event attended by French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin. The programme was initiated in the early 2000s to replace France’s ageing 1980s-era submarine fleet. Following systems integration and nuclear reactor activation, the vessel is expected to undergo harbour and sea trials before delivery. France plans to field six Suffren-class submarines by 2030. Construction of the final vessel, Casabianca, is underway, with launch targeted for 2028 and service entry expected in 2029. Naval Group has delivered four submarines since November 2020, with De Grasse (S638) handed over in June 2026, according to the supplied article. The submarines feature X-shaped stern rudders, acoustic isolation, special-forces deployment capability and a nuclear propulsion system. Their weapons include F21 torpedoes, MdCN land-attack missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles.
