France to Build New Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier by 2038

New Generation Aircraft Carrier

• 🇫🇷 President Emmanuel Macron has approved the construction of a new aircraft carrier for France, aiming for service by 2038.
• 🚢 This new vessel will replace the current Charles de Gaulle carrier, which entered service in 2001.
• 🚀 The new carrier will be a nuclear-powered floating airport, capable of carrying up to 30 fighter jets.

Increased Size and Cost

• 📏 The future carrier will be significantly larger than its predecessor, weighing 80,000 tons compared to 42,000 tons, and measuring 310 meters in length.
• 💰 The estimated cost for this project exceeds €10 billion.

Strategic Importance and Future Threats

• ⚠️ Concerns have been raised about the cost, especially given current threats in continental Europe and the need for immediate air force and army reinforcements.
• ✈️ The new carrier will incorporate drone systems and must be designed to counter new threats, including hypersonic missiles.
• 🌍 Despite vulnerabilities, aircraft carriers remain the only effective way for a nation to project presence on the high seas, a crucial factor for France due to its vast maritime area.
• ⚓ The president emphasized the need for France to be strong at sea in an "age of predators."