France Libre – the future aircraft carrier of France and a symbol of force projection at sea

On 18 March, during his appearance at Naval Group shipyards in Nantes-Indret, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the name of a new aircraft carrier for Marine nationale, implemented under the Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération (PANG). The entity will receive the nameFrance Libre.

In recent weeks, the subject of aircraft carriers has resounded in the media worldwide, as we also write on our website. The Gulf War and the presence of aerodrome groupsUS Navy, as well as the operation of the French aircraft carrierCharles de GaulleIn the Mediterranean, they remind us of something that has been said reluctantly over the years in Europe - that the sea remains a space from which events can be affected thousands of kilometres from its borders.

So it is no coincidence that the world's most important fleets are consistently developing new generation aircraft carriers, despite the enormous costs of building them and maintaining them. These units are not merely a weapon of combat. They represent a visible sign of the presence of a state that can operate far beyond its own coast and protect its interests in remote waters.

France Libre – name with history in the background

During Macron's speech, he made it clear that the new ship is to be included in the historical tradition initiated by General Charles de Gaulle. After the surrender of France in June 1940, some French armed forces refused to recognise the terms of the ceasefire with the Third German Reich. The Free French Forces (Forces Françaises Libres) were then formed in the United Kingdom, which played an important role in the further efforts of the Allies.

The new aircraft carrier is not only intended to strengthen the potential of French naval forces. Its name is also a clear reference to the tradition of the state, which in difficult moments of its history was able to rebuild strength and retain its ability to operate at sea.

PANG programme – the largest warship in Europe

The construction of a new French aircraft carrier is one of the largest industrial projects currently underway in Europe. The Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération programme is run by the MO Porte-Avions consortium, created by the Naval Group and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, with the significant participation of TechnicAtome responsible for the design and construction of the nuclear gym.

The decision to move to the production phase completed a multi-annual phase of project work carried out since 2020. In practice, the ordering of components with a long production cycle, including the main components of the nuclear gym, has already begun.

For the propulsion of the ship, a steam-powered nuclear power plant produced by the operation of two pressure water reactors of type K22 with a heat output of 220 MW each will be used. Already at this stage it is known that they have comeFrance Librewill be the largest warship built in Europe and the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier on the Old Continent.

Estimated technical data indicate a full displacement of about 75,000 tonnes. The total length of the ship is approximately 310 metres, with a length on a water line of approximately 305 metres. The maximum width is estimated at about 85 metres, while the width on the waterline is expected to reach about 39 metres. Dive the design is set at approximately 10,8 metres. On the other hand, the plane’s surface is about 17,000 square metres.

Electromagnetic catapults and the development of on-board aviation

One of the key features of the new aircraft carrier's equipment will be EMALS electromagnetic catapults supplied by the American company General Atomics. This solution enables more efficient operation of aircraft and allows the use of modern aircraft with a higher take-off mass.

The future unit is to be adapted to operate with a new generation of on-board aircraft, including machinery developed under European modernisation programmes. It is assumed that the flight group will be based on Rafale M F5 aircraft, supported by helicopters and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye early warning aircraft.

The hull construction is planned for the first half of the 1930s at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. Subsequently, the hull of the unit is towed to Toulon, where the process of equipping and preparing for sea trials will be carried out. The ship's entry into service is planned for 2038.

Aircraft carrier as a symbol of real state power

Contrary to the occasional simplifications, the aircraft carrier is not just a military tool. It is primarily a tool of state policy, whose presence on a given watershed constitutes a clear strategic signal.

France has for decades maintained its ability to build carriers and operate aircraft from their decks. The PAG programme continues this path and clearly confirms that Paris does not intend to give up the role of one of Europe's key maritime states.

Hundreds of companies and thousands of specialists representing various segments of the French maritime industry are behind this project. PANG is therefore not just a military venture. It is also an investment in maintaining industrial competence, which takes decades to build.

France does not give up on maritime ambitions

France is one of the few countries that have maintained the capacity to build aircraft carriers and operate from their decks for many years. Construction of the futureFrance Libreconfirms that Paris intends to maintain this position also in the coming decades.

In a world wheresafetyThe commercial routes again become a priority issue, the aircraft carrier remains one of the most readable signs of state power.

There are no passwords or declarations behind his presence. There are years of industry, huge financial resources and political consequences. And that's why building the futureFrance Libreis more than just another ship program. This is a clear signal that France intends to remain a capable country at sea to the extent of true naval powers.