France to build new nuclear carrier replacing flagship Charles de Gaulle

President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Sunday that France will proceed with the construction of a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a major addition to the country's naval capabilities despite strained public finances.

Speaking to French troops in Abu Dhabi, Macron said the decision to launch construction of the Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PA-NG) was taken this week.

"In an age of predators, we must be strong in order to be feared, and especially strong at sea," Macron said.

"This is why, in line with the last two military programming laws, and after a thorough and careful review, I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier."

What we know about the new nuclear carrier

The vessel, known as Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PA-NG), is scheduled for completion in 2038 and will replace the ageing French flagship, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, which entered service in 2001.

It will have a displacement of approximately 78,000 tonnes and a length of 310 metres, compared to 42,000 tonnes and 261 metres for the Charles de Gaulle.

The new carrier would still be smaller than the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest warship, which displaces more than 100,000 tonnes and measures 334 metres.

Like its predecessor, France's new aircraft carrier will be nuclear-powered and equipped with French Rafale M fighter jets.

The vessel will feature two or three electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS), enabling rapid aircraft launches.

Macron said the project will benefit 800 suppliers, 80% of whom are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

"I will personally guarantee this commitment in support of our companies, and I will visit the shipyard next February to meet them," he said.

Army Minister Catherine Vautrin said the new carrier would be able to engage in heavily armed, long-range deployments at short notice, repeatedly and for extended periods.

The programme is predicted to cost around €10.25 billion. Work on nuclear propulsion components began last year, and the final order must be placed under the 2025 budget.

Some French lawmakers from the centre and moderate left have recently suggested the project be postponed due to France's strained state finances.

Increased defence spending

Macron has announced €6.5 billion in extra military spending in the next two years. He said France will aim to spend €64 billion on defence in 2027, the last year of his second term, double the €32 billion spent when he became president in 2017.

France's military currently comprises around 200,000 active personnel and over 40,000 reservists, making it the second-largest in the European Union, just behind Poland. France wants to increase the number of reservists to 80,000 by 2030.

France is among the few European nations operating an aircraft carrier alongside the UK, Italy and Spain. The PA-NG will be the largest warship ever built in Europe.

European capabilities remain limited compared with the United States' fleet of 11 carriers and China's three. France is the EU's only nuclear power and the only European nation operating a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Macron originally touted plans for the new carrier in 2020. The Charles de Gaulle, commissioned in 2001 after 15 years of planning and construction, is France's only aircraft carrier and the sole nuclear-powered carrier outside the US Navy.

The vessel has been central to French NATO operations, participating in missions from Afghanistan to operations against the so-called Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

However, the carrier has faced recurring technical issues throughout its service life, including propeller problems that required multiple refits, and has spent significant periods in dry dock for maintenance.