France has approved plans to build a new, next-generation aircraft carrier to replace its ageing Charles de Gaulle, the country’s only carrier, which is expected to retire by 2038.

The announcement was made by President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to French troops stationed at a military base in Abu Dhabi, close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for oil shipments. The decision to start the project was made earlier this week following detailed assessments.

The new carrier is part of the Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PANG) programme, which is expected to cost about €10–10.25 billion ($11.7–12 billion). Work on nuclear propulsion components started last year, and the project’s final budget approval will be part of the 2025 defence budget.

The ship is planned to enter service in 2038, replacing the Charles de Gaulle, which has been in operation since 2001.

Once completed, the PANG will be the largest warship ever built in Europe. The new carrier will have a displacement of around 78,000 tonnes and a length of approximately 310 metres, significantly larger than the Charles de Gaulle, which displaces 42,000 tonnes and measures 261 metres.

Despite its size, the vessel will still be smaller than the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, which displaces more than 100,000 tonnes and measures about 334 metres.

Like its predecessor, the new ship will be nuclear-powered and operate Rafale M fighter jets. It will carry around 30 aircraft and 2,000 sailors, and will be capable of long-range, heavily armed deployments over extended periods.

The carrier will strengthen France’s nuclear deterrence and Europe’s defence independence, especially amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and uncertainties over U.S. support. France is currently the only nuclear power in the EU and one of few European nations operating an aircraft carrier, alongside the UK, Italy, and Spain.

French military officials have said the new ship will use electromagnetic catapult systems to launch aircraft, which will be bought from the United States, as French production would not meet schedule and cost requirements.

The programme is expected to support hundreds of suppliers, mostly small and medium-sized businesses, boosting France’s defence industry. President Macron said he will personally oversee the project and visit the shipyard next year.

Some lawmakers from the centre and moderate left have suggested delaying the project due to financial pressures, but the government has confirmed its commitment to increased defence spending. France plans to spend €64 billion on defence by 2027, doubling the 2017 level, with an additional €6.5 billion allocated over the next two years.

France currently maintains around 200,000 active military personnel and more than 40,000 reservists, making it the second-largest armed force in the European Union after Poland. The government aims to increase the number of reservists to 80,000 by 2030.

References: Reuters, AP News