Report recommends second carrier for cost savings

A parliamentary report by Yannick Chenevard argues that ordering a second aircraft carrier before 2029 would save 30% in costs by maintaining continuous production at Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the shipyard responsible for building the France Libre, currently under construction. The report contrasts this with extending the current Charles de Gaulle carrier, which would cost 2 billion euros and offer only a temporary fix.

Current carrier’s limitations

The Charles de Gaulle, France’s sole aircraft carrier, has been in service for 25 years and has an operational availability of 63%. General Fabien Mandon, Chief of Staff of the armed forces, states that a 65% availability is still not optimal. Between 2027 and March 2029, the Charles de Gaulle will undergo a major technical stop, leaving France without autonomous aerial naval projection for over two years.

Savings from continuous production

According to the Chenevard report, ordering a second carrier immediately after the France Libre would save 30% compared to the cost of the first unit. These savings stem from already amortized development costs and retained expertise at Chantiers de l'Atlantique. A gap in production would require rebuilding skills at a high cost, according to Zone Militaire.

Extending the current carrier is costly

The report rejects the idea of extending the Charles de Gaulle beyond 2040, noting that a fourth major technical stop would cost 2 billion euros for only a few more years of service. A second new carrier, with a full lifespan of several decades, would be more cost-effective. The France Libre will begin sea trials between 2036 and 2038, requiring an order for the second carrier before 2029 to maintain readiness.

Infrastructure and workforce considerations

The report states that the second embarked air group would need 12 more Rafale Marine and 2 Hawkeye aircraft, already accounted for in the Navy’s budget. An additional dock in Toulon would suffice, avoiding the need for a second costly basin. The Chantiers de l'Atlantique, based in Saint-Nazaire, are central to France’s shipbuilding industry, and a second carrier would keep their workforce engaged until the 2040s.

Economic and strategic benefits

An aircraft carrier supports a wide industrial chain, including subcontractors in electronics, nuclear propulsion, and metallurgy. Ordering a second carrier would sustain this ecosystem for an additional decade, creating thousands of jobs. The 10 billion euros invested in the France Libre already show this effect, and a 30% reduction in cost would enhance France’s competitiveness in military shipbuilding.

Financing and political decision

The exact cost of the second carrier will be determined by studies expected in 2028, which will help decide between this project and other military priorities. The Ministry of the Armed Forces must convince the French finance ministry that the investment offers a strategic and economic return. President Emmanuel Macron will make the final decision, balancing operational autonomy with budget constraints. Delaying the order risks closing the budgetary window before 2038.