Emmanuel Macron a officially launched the construction of the new French aircraft carrier on Sunday, December 21, 2025, stating that it will serve as a symbol of the nation’s power, encompassing industrial and technological prowess, and will be a force for freedom at sea and in turbulent times. This announcement was made during a Christmas event with troops in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The future flagship of the French armed forces is expected to ensure power projection from the open sea, with an intended commissioning date in 2038, rapporte TopTribune.
Nearly 80,000 tons, 310 meters long, 2,000 sailors…
The project, which « is intended to be deployed quickly for deterrence, coercion, or intervention missions, » was initiated in 2018. Like the Charles de Gaulle, this new aircraft carrier will be nuclear-powered and significantly larger than its predecessor. It will weigh approximately 78,000 tons and span 310 meters in length, versus the Charles de Gaulle’s 42,000 tons and 261 meters. According to the Ministry of the Armed Forces, it will cruise at 27 knots, accommodate 2,000 sailors, and carry up to 30 combat aircraft. Former Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu described it in April 2023 as a « floating monster » and a « cathedral of technology. »
« This project does not duplicate the past, » assured General Fabien Mandon, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, during a Senate Defense Commission hearing on November 5. « We must think about air power by integrating a broader set of capabilities beyond just aircraft, especially incorporating all types of drones. We need to consider the evolution of this system. »
The aircraft carrier will also be able to deploy Rafale F5, the future connected version of the combat aircraft, as well as « six helicopters, two to three surveillance drones, around thirty Rafale Marine, and aerial refueling drones, » noted Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff of the Navy, during the same hearing.
To launch aircraft into the sky, the vessel will be equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS), which is more efficient than the traditional steam-powered catapults used on most aircraft carriers. « The new generation aircraft carrier does not limit the mass of future aircraft – thanks to EMALS, we will be capable of launching aircraft weighing up to 40 tons, » described Vaujour.
Involvement of 800 companies, at a cost of 10 billion euros
Construction will take place at the Saint-Nazaire shipyards (Loire-Atlantique) and will involve Naval Group, as explained by the company, along with the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). « We are co-managing the project with the Directorate General of Armament. Naval Group and Chantiers Navals de l’Atlantique share the project management, » stated Laurent Sellier, director of nuclear propulsion at the CEA, in an interview.
The official launch announced by Macron allows for the contracts necessary for the realization of the project to be finalized. « I will be the guarantor of this commitment » to the 800 companies involved, emphasized the President, noting that he plans to visit the construction site in February. « The aircraft carrier will represent 14,000 jobs, with 90% of the investment in our territories, involving companies from all over France, » detailed Vaujour.
The goal is to have this new aircraft carrier operational by 2038, to succeed the Charles de Gaulle, which was commissioned in 2001 and designed to last around forty years. If the upcoming study on the Charles de Gaulle, during its significant technical halt in 2029, allows for an extension of its lifespan, France could temporarily possess two aircraft carriers.
A response to « new threats »
An aircraft carrier is an « all-encompassing political, diplomatic, and military tool without equivalent. It helps maintain France’s stature as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and as a leading military power, » highlighted a senatorial report from June 2020. In 2025, the demand for such capabilities seems even more pressing: « In an age of predators, we must be strong to be feared, » justified Macron from Abu Dhabi. « There are new threats and environments, » asserted Mandon on November 5.
Russia is specifically named in discussions about these developments. « In 2010, there were 27 aircraft carriers in the world; by 2030, there will be 37. We are witnessing proliferation in this area. The Russians have none; it’s a weakness we need to exploit, » argued Vaujour before the Senate. This echoes the alert issued by General Fabien Mandon on October 22, stating that the French military must be « prepared for a shock in three to four years » regarding Russia.
However, the necessity for a new aircraft carrier in this specific context is challenged by some experts. « A conflict with Russia would be predominantly land-based, with naval dimensions being very limited. We might consider simpler means in the medium term rather than deploying an aircraft carrier, which requires substantial logistical support, making it more vulnerable to Russian anti-ship defenses, » explained Léo Péria-Peigné, a researcher at the French Institute of International Relations.
« It is entirely useful to have one for the war of tomorrow, but for the war of the day after tomorrow, » asserted General Vincent Desportes, emphasizing the need to protect France’s vast exclusive economic zone.
