Politics France builds the largest warship in Europe
France launches the construction of its new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. With a displacement of around 80,000 tons, it will be almost twice as heavy as its predecessor "Charles de Gaulle", 310 meters long, 85 meters wide, with space for 30 fighter planes and 2,000 crew members.
21.12.2025, 19:58
SDA
"In times of aggression, we must be strong to be feared. I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier," French media quoted President Emmanuel Macron as saying.
Construction is expected to cost up to 10 billion euros. Macron made the announcement at a Christmas party with around 900 French soldiers stationed in the United Arab Emirates.
Ready for deployment from 2038
The deployment is planned for 2038, as Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin announced on X. France is the only country other than the USA with a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The "Charles de Gaulle" was put into service in 2001.
