France Unveils Next-Generation Aircraft Carrier to Strengthen Maritime Leadership
Paris — France has confirmed plans to build a new, larger, and technologically advanced aircraft carrier, marking a significant step in reinforcing the nation’s maritime strength and long-term defense preparedness while supporting Europe’s broader vision for strategic stability and autonomy.
President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision while addressing French troops stationed in the Gulf region, highlighting the importance of sustained naval capability in safeguarding international sea lanes and contributing to global security through responsible and cooperative defense initiatives.
The new aircraft carrier, known as the Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération, will replace the Charles de Gaulle, which has served as the backbone of French naval aviation for decades, and is expected to enter operational service by 2038 following a carefully planned and phased development program.
Designed to be the largest warship ever constructed in Europe, the carrier reflects France’s commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and forward-looking defense planning, ensuring that its naval forces remain adaptable to evolving security environments over the coming decades.
The project represents a major industrial undertaking with an estimated investment of approximately 10.25 billion euros, supporting thousands of jobs across France’s defense and engineering sectors and providing sustained opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises within the national industrial ecosystem.
Work on the vessel’s nuclear propulsion components has already begun, demonstrating steady progress and long-term planning, while the final authorization is expected to be confirmed under the national budget framework, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fiscal oversight throughout the program.
Speaking to military personnel near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, President Macron emphasized that the new carrier would enhance France’s ability to operate globally, protect shared maritime interests, and contribute constructively to international peacekeeping and security efforts.
The carrier is also central to France’s nuclear deterrence posture and its capacity to project stability through balanced defense capabilities, reinforcing the country’s role as a reliable security partner within Europe and across international alliances.
As the European Union’s only nuclear-armed nation, France plays a unique role in regional defense, and the development of this next-generation carrier aligns with broader European efforts to enhance collective security and technological self-reliance in a changing global landscape.
The vessel will incorporate advanced systems, including electromagnetic aircraft launch technology, enabling it to operate next-generation aircraft efficiently while improving operational safety, flexibility, and mission readiness in a wide range of scenarios.
French defense leaders have underscored that the project is not only a military investment but also a catalyst for research, innovation, and skills development, strengthening France’s position as a leader in high-end naval engineering and defense technology.
While discussions continue domestically regarding budget priorities, the carrier program has been framed as a long-term strategic investment designed to deliver economic, industrial, and security benefits over several decades rather than a short-term expenditure.
The transition from the Charles de Gaulle to the new carrier will ensure continuity in France’s naval aviation capabilities, allowing the country to maintain uninterrupted operational readiness while gradually integrating new technologies and platforms.
Overall, the launch of the Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération signals France’s confidence in its future, combining defense modernization with industrial growth, international cooperation, and a commitment to maintaining stability in key maritime regions worldwide.
