Naval aviation availability questioned

General Fabien Mandon, the Chief of the Defence Staff, raised concerns in November 2025 about the reliability of naval aviation, stating that a system available only 65% of the time is insufficient for effective operations. The debate was paused after the updated Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024-30 deferred the issue for further consideration.

France’s carrier strategy under discussion

Admiral Christophe Cluzel, the Chief of the Naval Staff, addressed the need for France to maintain air-sea superiority during his first parliamentary hearing. He suggested that two aircraft carriers would be necessary to maintain a constant alert presence, while three would ensure a continuous presence at sea. He emphasized that this decision would ultimately be a political one.

France’s future carrier plans

The French Navy plans to operate two aircraft carriers between 2036 and 2038, aligning with the introduction of the "France Libre" and the decommissioning of the Charles de Gaulle. This timeline, however, may be influenced by potential changes in the U.S. Navy’s use of electromagnetic catapults (EMALS), a topic addressed in a 2024 presidential ordinance signed by Donald Trump.

U.S. EMALS efficiency and French reliance

Admiral Cluzel discussed the U.S. Navy’s use of EMALS with Admiral Daryl Caudle, noting that the American system has a near 98% availability rate. The U.S. Navy plans to have three nuclear-powered carriers equipped with EMALS, providing a robust production and maintenance infrastructure. Cluzel did not express concerns about the future of the EMALS contract.

France’s EMALS development challenges

While Cluzel believes France’s industry can develop EMALS, he warned of higher costs and delays that could affect the "France Libre" timeline. The updated LPM 2024-30 includes a study on France’s ability to produce EMALS domestically. The General Delegate for Armaments will handle these issues, while the French Navy aims to reduce its reliance on the U.S. through training, spare parts procurement, and skill development in maintenance and operations.