DCNS has announced that it will propose what it believes would be the most advanced conventionally powered submarine in the world as its pre-concept design for the Future Submarine program’s competitive evaluation process.

Known as the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A, the submarine has been developed from the larger Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine, would be more than 90 metres long and would displace more than 4,000 tons when dived, the company said in a statement.

“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,” said Sean Costello, DCNS Australia chief executive officer. “The technical evolution of the submarine will be enabled by a strategic-level government-to-government agreement between France and Australia.”

The federal government announced the acquisition strategy for the Future Submarine in February, stating that France, Germany and Japan would be invited to participate in the competitive evaluation that is intended to assess their ability to partner with Australia to develop a submarine.