French Navy seeks second carrier

The French Navy has long discussed the need for a second aircraft carrier to ensure continuous military readiness, a topic recently brought to the forefront by General Fabien Mandon, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. Mandon stressed the importance of maintaining a reliable combat asset, noting that the current Charles de Gaulle carrier is only available 65% of the time, which falls short of the required consistency.

Current carrier's limitations

The Charles de Gaulle, France's only aircraft carrier, has been heavily used, surpassing the operational limits of previous carriers. It has fired more catapults and traveled farther than its predecessors, the Foch and Clemenceau. Deputy Yannick Chenevard, who oversees naval program reviews, highlighted that extending the carrier’s service beyond 2040 would require a costly overhaul, estimated at 2 billion euros, with limited benefits.

Future carrier plans

Admiral Christophe Cluzel, Chief of Staff of the French Navy, mentioned that the next-generation aircraft carrier "France Libre" is expected to begin sea trials between 2036 and 2038. This would allow for the eventual deployment of a second carrier, ensuring a dual-carrier format. The current carrier, however, may not be extended due to the heavy use of its nuclear reactors, making a four-year extension unlikely.

Cost estimates for a second carrier

Chenevard suggested that building a second next-generation carrier would cost about 30% less than the "France Libre" due to shared development costs and economies of scale. These cost estimates will be detailed in government reports submitted to Parliament in 2028. To achieve these savings, the order for the second carrier must be placed by 2029, according to Chenevard.

Infrastructure and operational needs

The construction of a second carrier could be handled by the shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique, provided it follows the design of the "France Libre." Chenevard noted that a second dry dock might not be necessary, as existing infrastructure, such as the Milhaud 7 works, includes plans for a second pier. However, additional costs could arise for the air group, potentially requiring more aircraft and support systems like airborne warning planes.