France Libre named as new aircraft carrier
Emmanuel Macron revealed the name of the new French aircraft carrier during a visit to the Naval Group site in Nantes-Indret. The carrier, named France Libre, honors the resistance movement founded by General de Gaulle in 1940 and continues the lineage of the current Charles de Gaulle carrier.Origins of the new carrier
The decision to build a second aircraft carrier came after the Navy noticed a decline in France's aerial naval capacity during technical stops of the Charles de Gaulle. Initially, cooperation with the United Kingdom was considered but abandoned in 2013. The project was revisited in 2018 when it was clear the Charles de Gaulle would reach its service life limit around 2038.Construction and industrial mobilization
The construction of the PA-NG, or PANG, began in December 2025 after five years of detailed studies. It will involve a vast industrial network, including companies like Naval Group, TechnicAtome, and MBDA, for nearly twelve years. The project is expected to create up to 14,000 jobs at its peak between 2026 and 2038.Design and capabilities
The France Libre will be one of the most powerful warships ever built in Europe, capable of projecting French aerial power globally. It will carry about 40 aircraft, including combat jets, radar planes, helicopters, and drones. The choice of nuclear propulsion supports both technical skill renewal and complements future submarine programs.Nuclear propulsion and ship design
The France Libre will feature new nuclear boilers called "K22," offering twice the energy reserve of previous reactors. The ship will be 310 meters long, 90 meters wide, and weigh up to 78,000 tons. It will have a 40% increase in space compared to the Charles de Gaulle, allowing for heavier aircraft and longer flight decks.Technological advancements
The France Libre will use full electric propulsion, enhancing maneuverability. Its design includes a digital infrastructure and electromagnetic catapults for launching aircraft. The ship's architecture is finalized, with a focus on hydrodynamic efficiency and future adaptability.Future technologies and evolution
The France Libre is designed for a 40- to 50-year lifespan, allowing for the integration of future technologies such as directed energy weapons and quantum computing. Artificial intelligence will also play a role in managing operations and optimizing performance.France's century of aircraft carriers
France has used aircraft carriers for nearly a century, starting with the Béarn in 1928. After World War II, France rebuilt its air navy with Allied ships before designing its own carriers, culminating in the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle in 2001. The France Libre continues this legacy as a symbol of French naval power.
