In the coming decades, maritime supremacy will be played on ever more imposing and technologically advanced units. As the United States dominates the oceans with its nuclear aircraft carrier fleet and China accelerates its naval expansion, France is preparing its strategic response. At the heart of this ambition, a giant of the seas in gestation: the future French aircraft carrier. Designed to succeed the Charles de Gaulle, it promises unprecedented capacities, increased striking power and unprecedented autonomy. Behind its colossal dimensions and its ten -digit budget, this project embodies a major turning point for the French Navy and the European defense industry.
A geant of the seas under construction
With its 310 meters long and its 85-meter-wide flight bridge, the future French aircraft carrier will be the largest ever built in France. At full load, it will display a displacement of 80,000 tonnes, almost double the Charles de Gaulle. He will be able to accommodate up to 2,500 people, including 1,100 sailors, 600 members of the air group, 100 staff officers and 200 specialists.
Its three electromagnetic catapults will allow aircraft to be launched much faster than its predecessor. Its hangar will be able to house between 30 and 40 aircraft, including Rafale Marine, E-2C Hawkeye and combat drones. Thanks to its modernized infrastructure, it will be able to ensure up to 60 aerial outings per day during periods of conflict, twice as much as the Charles de Gaulle.
Propelled by two nuclear reactors of 220 MW according to Capital, it will have an unparalleled sea autonomy in Europe. Its movement will reach a cruising speed of around 30 knots, slightly greater than the 27 knots of the Charles de Gaulle. This nuclear propulsion will allow it to operate over long periods without requiring fuel supply, a major asset for power projection.
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A strategic and technological project
France builds this aircraft carrier to modernize its aeronaval group and face new threats. It will become the central element of a reinforced fleet. This will include defense and intervention frigates (FDI), as well as nuclear attack submarines (SNA) from the Suffren class. Force supply buildings (BRF) will complete this set. Thanks to these ships, the fleet will benefit from better protection and increased autonomy during long missions.
The PA-NG will also integrate innovations in terms of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, in order to optimize the management of aeronavals and building maintenance. Designed to be evolving, it will have to adapt to new generations of aircraft and technological developments that will mark the next decades.
This ambitious project imposes a major industrial challenge on French shipyards. Its construction will start in 2026 and mobilize thousands of jobs. Coordination between all the actors involved will be essential. Once completed, the aircraft carrier will join Toulon in 2035 to load its nuclear fuel. His sea trials will start in 2036, with a view to commissioning in 2038.
Financial issues and international reactions
The budget of the future French aircraft carrier amounts to 10.2 billion euros, a key investment for the French Navy. This amount covers the development of new technologies and the integration of nuclear propulsion systems. It also includes the adaptation of the infrastructure essential to its exploitation.
The program announcement has aroused international contrasting reactions. The United States, main holders of nuclear propulsion aircraft carriers, see this project as strengthening European military capacities.
Other powers, such as China and Russia, closely monitor this evolution of the French navy, according to Viverdemain. In Europe, some nations question the consequences of such a project for defense cooperation. Others see it as a chance to strengthen the aeronavals of the continent.
The PA-NG marks a strategic turning point for France. More imposing and efficient, it is designed to last several decades. It thus represents a major asset for the French Navy and illustrates the French expertise in military shipbuilding.
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