DefenseFrance to build new 12 billion dollar nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the construction of a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to enhance France’s maritime capabilities during a visit to a military base in Abu Dhabi on December 22.
“In line with the last two military programming laws, and after a thorough and comprehensive review, I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier,” Macron stated during the event.
Macron arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday to celebrate Christmas with French troops and discuss bilateral ties with the Gulf state. The Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PANG) program is expected to cost approximately 10.25 billion euros (12 billion dollars).
The new vessel is scheduled to be operational by 2038, coinciding with the anticipated retirement of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Work on nuclear propulsion components began last year, with the final order expected under the 2025 defense budget.
The PANG will be the largest warship ever built in Europe, representing a significant increase in capacity and capability for the French Navy.
The Charles de Gaulle (R91), commissioned on May 18, 2001, is currently France’s only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and remains the only non-US Navy nuclear carrier in service.
The 42,000-ton ship uses CATOBAR configuration with two 75-meter steam catapults and operates Dassault Rafale M fighters, E-2C Hawkeye AEW aircraft, and several helicopter types.
France’s carrier force is central to its force projection strategy. The Charles de Gaulle has supported a range of operations since entering service, but its replacement is seen as essential to sustain France’s maritime and expeditionary capabilities beyond 2030.
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