Macron announces the construction of a new French nuclear aircraft carrier to replace the Charles de Gaulle
In a strategic move aimed at solidifying France's position as a global military power, French President Emmanuel Macron officially announced the launch of a massive project to build a new French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier . This announcement came during a visit to French forces stationed in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between Paris and Abu Dhabi.
A new generation of giants in the seas
Macron confirmed that the new carrier was designed to be the future successor to the current aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle”, and is scheduled to enter active service by 2038. The French president said in his speech: “This new carrier will be a living testament to the strength of our nation, and to the excellence of our military industry and technology, and will remain a deterrent force in the service of freedom at sea and to confront changing geopolitical challenges.”.
This decision comes as a culmination of years of technical and strategic studies, and in implementation of French military programming laws that place the continuous modernization of the naval arsenal at the top of their priorities, despite the economic challenges and pressures facing the general budget.
Technical specifications that surpass those of the Charles de Gaulle
The future aircraft carrier boasts a significant leap in specifications compared to its predecessor. While the new carrier will be nuclear-powered like the Charles de Gaulle, it will be considerably larger, with initial data indicating:
- Weight and displacement: Its displacement will reach approximately 75,000 to 80,000 tons, compared to 42,000 tons for the current carrier.
- Length: It will be approximately 310 meters long, providing more space for the runway and operations, compared to 261 meters for the Charles de Gaulle.
- Capacity: It will be able to carry a crew of 2,000 sailors, as well as accommodate approximately 30 new-generation fighter jets.
Strategic and geopolitical dimensions
This project is not simply a matter of replacing one naval vessel with another; it carries profound political and military implications. Possessing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier places France in a highly exclusive club of superpowers, as nuclear power grants the ship unlimited range and the ability to remain at sea for extended periods without refueling, thus reinforcing the "strategic autonomy" that Macron has long advocated for Europe and France.
The project is also closely linked to the European Future Fighter Aircraft (SCAF) program, as the new carrier is designed to be compatible with the next generation of fighters that will succeed the current Rafale aircraft, thus ensuring air and naval superiority for France for decades to come.
The future of the Charles de Gaulle Hotel and its partnership with the UAE
Regarding the current carrier, sources explained that a technical study will be conducted during the major maintenance operation in 2029 to determine the possibility of extending the life of the "Charles de Gaulle" for a few years after 2038, based on the condition of the reactors and the structure, to ensure that there is no gap in defense capabilities.
The choice of Abu Dhabi as the platform for this announcement carries a clear message about France’s commitment to the security of the Gulf and the Middle East, and its endeavor to strengthen military cooperation and combat terrorism and drug trafficking with its allies in the region.
