Egypt to acquire French Barracuda submarines

Egypt has announced its interest in acquiring between four to six advanced Barracuda-class submarines from France.

The submarines, which are traditional-powered (electric/diesel) and produced by the renowned Naval Group, represent a major upgrade for the Egyptian navy, which currently operates some of the oldest submarines in the Middle East and Africa.

The French newspaper La Tribune reported that Egypt aims to finalize this deal by 2026, contingent on improvements in the country’s economic situation. This move underscores Egypt’s strategic efforts to bolster its maritime defense and enhance its military prowess in the region.

Historically, the Egyptian navy has lagged behind in terms of submarine technology. However, a significant leap was made between 2017 and 2021, when Egypt added four German-made Type-209/mod1400 submarines to its fleet. These acquisitions marked a pivotal moment in the modernization of Egypt’s naval forces, but the planned procurement of the French Barracuda submarines signifies an even more ambitious upgrade.

The Barracuda-class submarines are known for their advanced stealth capabilities, high endurance, and exceptional versatility in various maritime operations. They are designed to operate in both open ocean and littoral environments, making them a formidable asset in any naval fleet.

Experts suggest that this acquisition will not only enhance Egypt’s defensive and strategic capabilities but also strengthen its position in the geopolitical landscape of the region. The deal, once completed, is expected to foster closer military and economic ties between Egypt and France, further solidifying their partnership in defense cooperation.