PARIS, Dec 21 (Reuters) – President Emmanuel Macron announced plans on Sunday to build a new, larger, and more advanced aircraft carrier to replace the aging Charles de Gaulle and enhance France's naval strength.
The initiative, known as “Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération” (PANG), is estimated to cost about 10.25 billion euros ($12 billion).
The French government has stated that the new aircraft carrier is expected to be ready by 2038, coinciding with the retirement of the Charles de Gaulle, which has been in service since 2001. Work on the nuclear propulsion system began last year, and the final order is set to be finalized under the 2025 budget.
The PANG will be the largest warship ever built in Europe, playing a crucial role in France's nuclear deterrence strategy and Europe's goal for greater defense independence, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump’s wavering commitment to European security.
MACRON SPEAKING TO TROOPS
Macron spoke to military personnel stationed at a French base in Abu Dhabi, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil trade.
“The decision to launch this significant program was made this week,” Macron stated, adding that the initiative would strengthen France's industrial sector, especially benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises.
Army Minister Catherine Vautrin informed the public on X that the new carrier would replace the Charles de Gaulle by 2038. The current carrier was in development for 15 years before becoming operational in 2001.
Recently, some French lawmakers from the center and moderate left have proposed delaying the construction of the new aircraft carrier due to tight government finances.
EUROPEAN CARRIER CAPABILITIES
As the European Union's only nuclear power, France is one of a few European nations, alongside Britain, Italy, and Spain, to possess an aircraft carrier.
European naval capabilities are limited when compared to the United States, which operates 11 aircraft carriers, and China's three.
“The Chinese have recently developed electromagnetic catapults for launching aircraft,” said Armed Forces Chief Fabien Mandon during a Senate meeting in October. He added that France plans to procure such systems from the United States, as domestic production does not align with their timeline or budget constraints.
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