Overview
- President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision during a visit to French troops in Abu Dhabi, saying the go‑ahead was taken "this week."
- The 78,000‑ton, 310‑meter carrier will use two K‑22 nuclear reactors and ship‑wide electric systems, replacing the Charles de Gaulle.
- The design centers on an air wing of about 30 combat aircraft plus E‑2D Hawkeyes, helicopters and UAVs, with U.S.‑supplied EMALS and Advanced Arresting Gear.
- Current schedule calls for assembly at Saint‑Nazaire from 2032, transfer to Toulon in mid‑2035, sea trials in 2036 and commissioning around 2038.
- The program is estimated at roughly €10.25 billion, led by MO Porte‑Avions and TechnicAtome, with long‑lead orders placed in 2024 and about 800 mostly SME suppliers involved.