Overview
- President Emmanuel Macron announced the New Generation Aircraft Carrier (PANG) to replace the Charles de Gaulle, unveiling the decision to proceed during a visit to French forces in Abu Dhabi.
- Planned specifications include roughly 78,000–80,000 tonnes displacement, a 310-meter length, a crew of about 2,000, capacity for up to 30 combat aircraft, and Rafale M operations.
- The government estimates the program at about €10.25 billion, with nuclear propulsion component work begun last year and the final order to be charged to the 2025 budget.
- Officials say the project will mobilize around 800 suppliers, roughly 80% of them small and medium-sized firms, with Macron pledging support and a shipyard visit in February.
- Budget pressures have prompted calls from some lawmakers to postpone the carrier, as a deficit near 5.4% of GDP and lack of budget consensus push the government toward special legislation.