French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Sunday that France will build a new aircraft carrier to replace the ageing Charles de Gaulle, strengthening the country’s maritime and nuclear deterrence capabilities, according to Reuters.
Macron made the announcement while addressing French troops at a French military base in Abu Dhabi, near the Strait of Hormuz. Newsweek reached out to France’s Armed Forces Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
The new aircraft carrier would be the largest warship ever built in Europe and a central component of France’s nuclear deterrent. The project reflects Europe’s push for greater defence autonomy amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and uncertainty over long-term U.S. security commitments.
France is the European Union’s only nuclear power and one of a small group of European countries operating aircraft carriers, alongside Britain, Italy and Spain.
What To Know
Macron said the decision to launch the program—known as Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PANG)—was taken this week, Reuters reported. The carrier is expected to cost about €10.25 billion ($12 billion) and enter service in 2038, when the Charles de Gaulle is scheduled to retire.
The French government said work on the vessel’s nuclear propulsion components began last year, with the final construction order required under the 2025 state budget.
Defense officials say the PANG will play a key role in France’s strategic posture and Europe’s maritime capabilities. The ship is designed to use electromagnetic catapult systems, which France plans to purchase from the United States after determining domestic production would not meet cost and scheduling requirements.
Some lawmakers from France’s center and moderate left have urged the government to delay the project due to strained public finances. The government has not announced any changes to the timeline.
Explicit caveat: While preparatory work has begun, the final construction order has not yet been placed and remains subject to parliamentary budget approval.
What People Are Saying
President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to troops in Abu Dhabi, said: “The decision to launch this vast programme was taken this week,” adding that it would support France’s industrial base, including small and medium-sized businesses, according to Reuters.
Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said on X that the new carrier would enter service in 2038, replacing the Charles de Gaulle, which has been operational since 2001.
Armed forces chief Fabien Mandon told the French Senate in October that France would procure electromagnetic catapult systems from the United States because domestic production was not compatible with cost and schedule requirements.
What Happens Next
The French government must finalize the aircraft carrier order under the 2025 budget. Preparatory work on nuclear components will continue as lawmakers debate defence spending priorities ahead of formal approval.
