Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has been awarded a contract by Naval Group to supply lithium-ion battery systems for the Barracuda and Scorpene submarine families. The advanced battery systems will power future submarine programmes, replacing traditional lead-acid batteries with higher-performance lithium-ion technology.
According to Saft, the new battery solution delivers significantly higher energy density, enabling longer submerged operations while meeting stringent military standards for safety, reliability, and performance. The agreement builds on several years of collaboration between Saft and Naval Group. The company also noted that it designs and manufactures both the battery systems and their electrochemical cells in-house, ensuring full control over the production process.
Supporting Barracuda and Scorpene Programmes
The contract comes as Naval Group continues to expand production across its submarine portfolio. Earlier this month, the company delivered De Grasse, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, to the French Navy following successful sea trials. The vessel is part of France’s long-term programme to replace the aging Rubis-class submarines, with its construction incorporating operational improvements based on lessons learned from earlier boats in the class.
The agreement also aligns with progress on Naval Group’s international submarine projects. In June, the company began construction of the first two Evolved Scorpene-class submarines for the Indonesian Navy at PT PAL’s shipyard in Surabaya, eastern Java. The programme includes a technology transfer initiative, with Indonesian engineers receiving specialised training in France covering submarine construction, engineering, and quality assurance.
