# strategic deterrent

France Accelerates Undersea Push as Fourth Barracuda SSN, De Grasse, Begins Sea Trials

France has begun sea trials of the fourth Barracuda‑class nuclear attack submarine, De Grasse, marking an acceleration in the renewal of its undersea forces. The trial comes amid near‑simultaneous activity on attack‑sub replacements, new strategic submarines and submarine‑launched ballistic‑missile work, underscoring a sustained French emphasis on undersea capabilities.