Image Credentials: Image Title: France Moves Closer to Ordering Europe’s Largest Nuclear Aircraft Carrier by 2025h Source: (Grok, xAI) Date: May 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (Grok, xAI), and it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Staff Writer with Agencies
Paris, May 5, 2025 — France could officially greenlight the construction of Europe’s most ambitious naval project by the end of next year, according to French shipbuilder Naval Group’s 2024 annual report. The vessel, known as the PA-NG (Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération), is slated to replace the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and become the largest warship ever built in Europe, with delivery expected by 2038.
The nuclear-powered PA-NG is a cornerstone of France’s long-term defense strategy, designed to bolster its global military posture and maintain naval air wing readiness far into the 21st century. The project reflects not only a generational upgrade in size and power but also in technology and operational capacity.
Design and Power: A Colossus at Sea
The PA-NG will weigh 78,000 tonnes, measure 310 meters in length, and feature a beam of 85 meters—significantly larger than the 42,500-tonne Charles de Gaulle, commissioned in 2001. Its all-electric propulsion will be driven by two K22 nuclear reactors, each delivering 220 MW of power. The electric propulsion will allow the ship to reach speeds of up to 27 knots and provide an effectively unlimited range.
A critical milestone was reached on April 26, 2024, when the Direction générale de l’Armement (DGA) and the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique (CEA) awarded the first long-lead procurement contract for the ship’s nuclear boiler rooms to Naval Group and TechnicAtome. This marks the beginning of tangible construction efforts, with production activities for the reactors scheduled to run through 2029.
Advanced Launch Systems and Air Wing Capabilities
One of PA-NG’s most transformative features will be its integration of the U.S.-made Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), supplied by General Atomics under a $41.6 million Foreign Military Sales contract. This will enable more efficient and flexible launch capabilities for a wide range of aircraft, including heavy fighters, drones, and surveillance planes. The ship is designed to support up to three EMALS catapults—two forward and one angled—and three AAG systems, allowing for simultaneous aircraft operations.
Its air wing will consist of more than 40 aircraft, including current Rafale M jets, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye early warning aircraft, helicopters such as the NH90 and H160M Guépard, and eventually the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) from the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS program. The ship will also host unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and UCAVs, positioning it as a future-ready combat platform.
Combat Systems and Defenses
The PA-NG’s defensive suite will include the Thales Sea Fire AESA radar and a variety of onboard weapons systems. These will feature 24 MBDA Aster missiles in vertical launch cells, four 40 mm Bofors guns, and Simbad-RC launchers armed with Mistral 3 missiles. Design provisions also allow for the future integration of directed energy weapons.
Industrial and Strategic Footprint
Construction will be handled at Saint-Nazaire, the only French shipyard large enough to build such a vessel. However, the yard’s existing cruise liner commitments complicate scheduling. The hull is expected to be laid down around 2031–2032, with reactor fueling and sea trials planned from 2035–2036 at the naval base in Toulon. Total project costs are estimated to exceed €10 billion.
The PA-NG’s nuclear focus supports France’s strategy for rapid deployment, deterrence, and sustained power projection, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Its capabilities will place it on par with the U.S. Navy’s Ford-class carriers, reinforcing NATO and EU security architecture.
The Charles de Gaulle and the Question of a Second Carrier
The Charles de Gaulle is set for its final major maintenance upgrade between 2027 and 2028, which will include new Sea Fire radars and long-range Aster 15 EC missiles. A study is underway to determine whether the ship’s K15 nuclear reactors can safely operate beyond their planned retirement in 2038. Extending its service life would offer insurance against delays in the PA-NG’s construction or even allow for a temporary dual-carrier fleet—though that option remains financially uncertain.
France has long considered a second aircraft carrier to ensure operational availability, especially during extensive maintenance periods. A previous program, PA2, was shelved in 2013 due to cost. While fiscal constraints persist, the strategic rationale for a second carrier remains potent.
Future Role in Multi-Domain Warfare
The PA-NG is expected to serve as a key node in France’s next-generation military network, integrating seamlessly with systems like the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and aligning with NATO’s evolving multi-domain operations. Its role in nuclear deterrence, amphibious warfare, and air superiority will make it a central asset in French military doctrine for decades.
If approved by the end of 2025, the PA-NG will not only symbolize the pinnacle of French naval engineering but also reaffirm France’s commitment to projecting power in a complex and rapidly evolving global security environment.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.