TotalEnergies’ subsidiary to supply Li-ion battery systems for Barracuda and Scorpene submarines

July 20, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies and a global specialist in advanced battery technology, has been awarded a major contract by French Naval Group to supply next-generation lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems for the Barracuda and Scorpene submarine families.

The award strengthens Saft’s role in European defense programs and reflects increasing demand for advanced battery technologies in naval applications. The company said its Li-ion systems will provide improved energy density compared with traditional lead-acid batteries, enabling longer underwater endurance, enhanced operational performance, and greater mission flexibility.

The battery systems are based on Saft’s proprietary cells, which are developed and manufactured in-house. According to the company, the technology is designed to meet stringent defense requirements for safety and reliability.

The contract follows several years of collaboration between Saft and Naval Group and highlights the cooperation between two European defense industry players in developing critical submarine technologies.

“This contract confirm that advanced battery technology is now a defining factor in submarine performance. Our Li-ion systems set a new standard in energy density, safety and reliability, positioning Saft at the heart of next-generation naval defense programs. This is also a clear step forward for European technological sovereignty,” Cedric Duclos, Chief Executive Officer of Saft, said.

“Integrating Saft’s Li-ion technology onboard the Barracuda and Scorpene submarine families is of great value, allowing us to enhance performance at sea,” Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Naval Group, stated.

The Barracuda class is a new generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) developed by Naval Group for the French Navy. Designed to replace the Rubis-class submarines, the class is intended to provide advanced undersea warfare capabilities, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering, special operations support, and land-attack missions.

The fourth submarine of the class, De Grasse, entered service with the French Navy last month. The first three SSNs have already entered active service (Suffren in June 2022, Duguay-Trouin in April 2024, and Tourville in July 2025).

French Navy accepts delivery of fourth Barracuda-class submarine

Vessels

The final two submarines of the program (Rubis and Casabianca) are currently under construction at various stages of completion, with deliveries scheduled through the end of the decade.

The Scorpene class is a family of conventionally powered attack submarines developed by Naval Group and Navantia. The class has been exported to several international customers, with operators including the Brazilian Navy, Chilean Navy, Indian Navy, and Malaysian Navy.