France: The cutting of the first plate for the 'Barracuda 2' was recently held in Cherbourg to mark the first milestone of the boat's production cycle.
The Barracuda programme is one of the most important for the renewal of France's naval forces. The new submarine's mission capabilities will range from intelligence gathering to special operations, including the deployment of commandos and special forces, mine laying, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and land strikes, plus participation in joint operations wherever its interoperability and associated capabilities are required.
The weapons payload will comprise a mix of next-generation F21 heavyweight torpedoes, SM39 anti-ship missiles and MDCN naval cruise missiles.
The ceremony was attended by principal weapons engineer (IGA) François Pintart, head of the DGA's Naval Management Unit, Jacques Chenais, head of the French Atomic Energy Commission's Nuclear Propulsion department and Pierre Quinchon, SVP of DCNS's Warships Division.
Barracuda-type submarines will replace the current Rubis/Améthyste-class between 2017 and 2028.
