Авіаносець France Libre (проєкт)

The new French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, previously known under the program acronym PANG, has been named France Libre (“Free France”).

The naming ceremony took place at the Naval Group facility near Nantes, as reported by Naval News.

The name honors the government-in-exile and resistance movement of World War II, led by General Charles de Gaulle. According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the name symbolizes an unbreakable will for independence and France’s readiness to defend its interests anywhere in the world.

France Libre will be significantly more powerful than its predecessor, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. With a length of 310 meters and a width of about 90 meters, the new ship will have a displacement of 80,000 tons—nearly double that of the current flagship.

The carrier’s propulsion system will consist of two K-22 nuclear reactors built by TechnicAtome. This will provide the vessel with virtually unlimited range and endurance, enabling speeds of up to 27 knots.

The crew, including the air wing, will total around 2,000 personnel. One of the key technical features will be the integration of the American electromagnetic aircraft launch system EMALS and the advanced arresting gear AAG, both developed by General Atomics.

Thanks to three catapult tracks and an angled flight deck exceeding 17,000 m², the carrier will be capable of launching and recovering aircraft simultaneously. This will allow for approximately 60 combat sorties per day.

The initial air group of France Libre will consist of 30 Dassault Rafale fighters in the F5 configuration. They will be complemented by E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft and up to six NH90 helicopters.

In the future, the ship is planned to be adapted for next-generation NGF fighters and unmanned systems. The project предусматривает full electrification of onboard systems and expanded ammunition storage to support intensive combat operations for more than seven days.

Hull construction is set to begin at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in 2032. By mid-2035, the vessel will be transferred to the naval base in Toulon for final outfitting and nuclear fuel loading.

Sea trials are scheduled for 2036, with commissioning into the Navy expected in 2038. At the same time, the decommissioning of Charles de Gaulle is planned to begin. Overall, the new ship is expected to serve for approximately 45 years.

The construction cost is estimated at €10 billion. The project involves more than 800 suppliers, with over 90% of procurement to be carried out by French companies.