Talks between Egypt and France over a €4.5–6 billion Barracuda submarine deal have reached a critical point, as Egypt seeks not only four to six submarines but also local production and technology control. By also exploring options with South Korea and China, Egypt is increasing pressure on France and turning the deal into a complex negotiation beyond just price and delivery.
A Growing Naval Partnership with High Stakes
Over the past decade, Egypt and France have built a strong naval defense partnership through major warship deals. Countries treat submarines as far more secret and sensitive because they pack highly advanced systems, including complex sensors, computers, engines, and weapons, which makes governments very cautious about sharing this technology.
Engineers designed the Barracuda-class submarine, even in its non-nuclear version, as a highly advanced platform that can stay underwater for long periods, move quietly, and carry out many missions, such as tracking enemy ships, protecting sea routes, and launching missiles when needed.
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For Egypt, getting these submarines would be a major step in strengthening its navy and supporting its wider military modernization plans. The Mediterranean and the Red Sea are both vital sea routes, and a strong presence there is important for national security. Unlike past deals, Egypt is not only looking to buy these submarines but also wants the right to build them locally and develop future versions.
Egypt’s Demand for Local Building and Technology Access
One of Egypt’s main demands is the right to build a large part of the submarines at shipyards in Alexandria. Under Egypt’s proposal, companies would move much of the assembly and long-term maintenance work from France to Egypt. Cairo is also asking for broad production rights, which would let it not only build the agreed submarines but also develop similar versions in the future. In addition, Egypt wants export licenses so it can sell these locally built submarines to other countries.
These demands have worried French officials, who closely guard their military technology. By granting such rights, France would allow another country to build, modify, and possibly export these advanced systems, a step leaders see as a serious political and security decision rather than just a business one.
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Technology transfer also stands at the center of the talks. Egypt is especially targeting the propulsion system because it determines how quietly a submarine moves, how far it can travel, and how long it can stay underwater. Egypt is also seeking advanced weapons, especially naval cruise missiles that submarines can launch to strike distant targets.
By also holding talks with South Korea and China, Egypt is showing that it has other options. This does not mean it will choose them, but it strengthens Egypt’s position and increases pressure for better terms.
Why the Barracuda Submarine Deal Is So Sensitive
Countries treat submarines as some of the most secret and tightly protected military systems, and they usually share this technology only with their closest partners. This is why observers are watching the talks between Egypt and France so closely, because if France accepts Egypt’s demands, it would mark a major change in how Paris manages sensitive defense exports, especially by allowing local production and future design changes.
Timing and long-term cooperation also play a key role in the discussions. If both sides move forward under the current terms, the navy would likely introduce the first submarine sometime between 2032 and 2035. This long timeline shows how complex such projects are, as submarines take many years to design, build, test, and prepare for real operations.
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Much of this work would take place in Egypt, especially in assembly and maintenance. This would help Egypt gain valuable experience and build local skills in supporting and operating advanced submarines. At the same time, such close cooperation needs a high level of trust, because every part of a modern submarine is closely tied to national security.
The talks also reflect a wider trend. Many countries no longer want only to buy weapons. They want to build them, understand them, and control their future use. This is why the Barracuda submarine negotiations are seen as especially sensitive and high-stakes.