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DCNS Unveils the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A for Australia's Future Submarine Tender

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Defense Industry News - France, Australia
 
 
 
DCNS Unveils the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A for Australia's Future Submarine Tender
 
DCNS will propose the world’s most advanced conventionally powered submarine – named the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A – as its pre-concept design for Australia’s future submarine Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP). The submarine takes its name from the Shortfin Barracuda, an indigenous species of the Barracuda found in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
     
DCNS will propose the world’s most advanced conventionally powered submarine – named the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A – as its pre-concept design for Australia’s future submarine Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP). The submarine takes its name from the Shortfin Barracuda, an indigenous species of the Barracuda found in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.The Shortfin Barracuda design is based on the Barracuda-type SSNs (nuclear powered) set to replace the French Navy’s current-generation Rubis/Améthyste-class boats.
     
DCNS has developed the Shortfin Barracuda with state-of-the-art technology from its larger cousin, the French Navy’s Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine, to meet the CEP requirements.

“While exact details remain confidential, DCNS can confirm the Shortfin Barracuda is over 90 metres in length and displaces more than 4,000 tons when dived,” said Sean Costello, CEO DCNS Australia.

“If selected the Shortfin Barracuda will remain in service until the 2060s and the Block 1A platform will be updated and upgraded with new technology developed in France and Australia,” Mr Costello said.

“The technical evolution of the submarine will be enabled by a strategic level Government to Government agreement between France and Australia.”

DCNS is the only submarine design company in the world to have design competencies in nuclear and conventional submarines, safely delivering submarines ranging from 2,000 tons to 14,300 tons to navies all around the world.

Between 2017 and 2027, Barracuda-type SSNs will replace the French Navy’s current-generation Rubis/Améthyste-class boats. Mission capabilities will include intelligence gathering and special operations (by commandos and special forces), anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, land strikes and participation in joint operations wherever the type’s interoperability and associated capabilities (discreet communications, tactical datalinks, etc.) are required. The weapons payload will include next-generation type F21 heavyweight torpedoes, SM39 anti-ship missiles and MdCN naval cruise missiles.

To learn more: Link to Barracuda class SSN technical datasheet

You can also read our analysis on the three contenders for Australia's SEA1000 program (to be updated as details on Shortfin Barracuda emmerge)