France has formally decided to proceed with the construction of a next-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the decision over the weekend, telling French troops that approval for the programme had been taken this week. The announcement, reported by Reuters on Sunday, clears the way for France to move from long-running design work into the execution phase of the project, known as the Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération (PA-NG).
The new carrier is intended to replace the Charles de Gaulle, France’s sole aircraft carrier, which entered service in 2001 and is expected to retire in the late 2030s. At around 78,000 tonnes, the PA-NG will be substantially larger than its predecessor and, once built, would become the largest warship ever constructed in Europe.
French defence officials have previously indicated that the carrier will be equipped with three electromagnetic aircraft launch systems and three advanced arresting gear systems, supplied by US firm General Atomics under a contract worth $41.6 million. These systems, already in use on the US Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, will allow the French Navy to operate a broader mix of aircraft, including heavier future fighters as well as lighter uncrewed systems.
The carrier is expected to embark more than 40 aircraft, including Rafale M fighters, E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, helicopters and drones. Over time, it is also intended to support France’s future next-generation combat aircraft being developed under the Future Combat Air System programme.
Design work points to a significantly enlarged flight deck of around 17,000 square metres, providing greater sortie generation rates and operational flexibility than the Charles de Gaulle. Propulsion will be provided by two new K22 nuclear reactors, each generating roughly 220 megawatts of electrical power to support all-electric ship systems as well as the demands of electromagnetic launch equipment.
While Macron’s confirmation signals political commitment, major milestones remain ahead. Defence industry reporting from France earlier this year suggested the formal construction order was expected before the end of 2025, with physical build work likely to begin in the early 2030s. Full operational capability is currently targeted for around 2038.
IneffectiveInc on December 21st, 2025 at 19:51 UTC »
It makes sense considering France's military strategy of "be able to do everything ourselves around the globe, to some degree". I suspect if the EU ever gets a joint military structure the French will contribute a lot to its expeditionary forces and force projection.
Lonely_Noyaaa on December 21st, 2025 at 18:20 UTC »
Waiting until 2038 for operational capability means we’re locking in a lot of assumptions about future conflicts, lots can change in a decade
Ok-Bumblebee7515 on December 21st, 2025 at 17:34 UTC »
Makes sense. If the United States is stepping back then the EU is going to need some additional force projection to protect their trade routes. Specifically thinking about areas near the Suez Canal / Gulf of Aden.