According to the French television channel TF1 on October 15, 2024, the long-awaited replacement of the flagship aircraft carrier of the French Navy "Charles de Gaulle" is taking shape. The Ministry of Defense of the country is preparing to place an order for a new aircraft carrier in 2025.
A new generation aircraft carrier with a nuclear power plant, which is expected to cost at least $10 billion. The euro will become the largest warship ever built in Europe.
During a recent hearing, Defense Minister Sebastien LECORGNE confirmed that a new ship, classified as a "new generation aircraft carrier" (Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération, PANG), will be officially ordered in 2025. This major project, which has been working on for many years, is scheduled to be implemented at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, on the west coast of France. The start of the ship's construction is scheduled for 2026. Completion is in 2038.
The new aircraft carrier of the French Navy PANG. Sketch
With a length of 305 m and a width of almost 80 m, the PANG will be much larger than its predecessor, the Charles de Gaulle, commissioned in 2001. It is expected that the ship will be able to carry about 40 aircraft, including future Rafale Marine fighters, Hawkeye E-2D electronic warfare aircraft and various models of drones. The nuclear power plant of the new aircraft carrier, although 15-20% more expensive than conventional alternatives, will allow for long-term operations at sea, increasing the strategic autonomy of the French Navy.
Reportedly, the recruitment of a crew for service on PANG is already in full swing. It is expected that the total number of personnel on board will be about 2,000 people. It is emphasized separately that the complexity of managing marine vehicles with a nuclear power plant requires long-term training of specialists who undergo up to 15 years of training to perform key functions.
The new aircraft carrier is seen as a necessary tool to preserve France's global military influence and strengthen its role in NATO. By 2030, the number of aircraft carriers in the world is expected to grow from 19 to 27 thanks to the growing investments of countries such as China and India.
The modern aircraft carrier fleet of the French Navy consists of a single aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" (R91) with a nuclear power plant. Commissioned in 2001, the Charles de Gaulle is a key element of the country's naval power. It is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier built outside the United States that can carry from 30 to 40 aircraft, including Rafale fighters and E-2C Hawkeye long-range radar detection aircraft. The ship also supports the operation of various helicopters, including NH90 NFH Caïman Marine and AS565 Panther, which are used for search and rescue operations.
The aircraft carrier of the French Navy "Charles de Gaulle"
The Charles de Gaulle is part of the French Navy's Aircraft Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which includes several frigates, submarines and auxiliary vessels providing protection and logistical support during operations. The ship actively participated in various missions, including operations under the command of NATO, as well as in multinational exercises such as Polaris and Mare Aperto in 2024, where it operated in conjunction with other aircraft carriers, for example, the Italian ITS Cavour.
Based on the materials of the resource armyrecognition.com
