"I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier", President Emmanuel Macron announced to troops stationed at a military base in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 21/12. The decision, made this week, is expected to directly benefit the French economy, involving 800 suppliers, 80% of which are small and medium-sized enterprises. President Macron added that he plans to visit the shipyard in 2/2026.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, Macron emphasized, "The new aircraft carrier is a testament to national strength, industrial and technological power, the ability to protect freedom at sea, and navigate turbulent times." While he did not specify the vessel type, French media identified it as the New Generation Aircraft Carrier (PANG) project, which Macron first mentioned in 2020.

The PANG warship is slated to enter service from 2038, taking over from France's sole current aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle. The Charles de Gaulle has been operational since 2001 and is scheduled for decommissioning in 2038.

France's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean in 11/2024. *Photo: AFP*

The PANG will represent a significant upgrade in size and capability. Though both carriers are nuclear-powered, the PANG is projected to be substantially larger than its predecessor. It is expected to have a displacement of nearly 80,000 tons and a length of about 310 m, dwarfing the Charles de Gaulle's 42,000 tons and 261 m. The new carrier will operate with a crew of 2,000 and accommodate about 30 fighter jets.

A key technological advancement for the PANG will be its propulsion and launch systems. Like most new-generation aircraft carriers entering service or under development, the PANG will be equipped with three electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) designed by the US, replacing the steam catapults used on the Charles de Gaulle. EMALS offer several advantages, including the ability to deploy aircraft with heavier payloads, allowing planes to carry more weapons and fuel. This system can also launch a diverse range of aircraft sizes, from large early warning aircraft to small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Furthermore, EMALS boast a mechanically simpler design compared to steam catapults, which helps reduce reset time and increase launch frequency, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

The current Charles de Gaulle warship faces operational challenges, achieving readiness only about 65% of the time, according to the French navy. The planned decommissioning in 2038 coincides with the PANG's expected entry into service. However, any delays in the construction of the successor warship could leave France without an aircraft carrier. To mitigate this risk, a study will be conducted during the Charles de Gaulle's next major overhaul to determine if its operational life can be extended by a few years beyond the original 2038 milestone.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters, ICI)