French President Macron approves a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to replace the Charles de Gaulle, emphasising national strength amid budget concerns.
ABU DHABI: French President Emmanuel Macron has officially approved the construction of a new aircraft carrier to replace the flagship Charles de Gaulle.
Macron announced the decision while visiting French troops in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.
“In line with the last two military programming laws, and after a thorough and comprehensive review, I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier,” he stated.
He confirmed the final go-ahead was given this week, adding, “In an age of predators, we must be strong in order to be feared.”
The new vessel will be nuclear-powered and significantly larger than the current carrier.
It will displace nearly 80,000 tons and measure around 310 metres long, compared to the Charles de Gaulle’s 42,000 tons and 261 metres.
The carrier will have a crew of 2,000 and capacity for 30 fighter jets.
The official launch enables the signing of all necessary contracts for the project, according to Macron’s office.
This move proceeds despite a budgetary deadlock in France, the EU’s second-largest economy.
Critics, including military chief General Fabien Mandon, had questioned whether other defence priorities should come first amid fears of a European war with Russia.
France began replacement studies in 2018, with preliminary work starting in 2020.
The Charles de Gaulle, the only non-US nuclear-powered carrier, entered service in 2001 after over a decade of construction.
Macron’s UAE visit aimed to celebrate Christmas with troops and discuss bilateral ties, focusing on enhanced cooperation against drug trafficking.
He met Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss strengthening their strategic partnership for “stability in the Middle East”.
The UAE is a major buyer of French military equipment, and Paris may seek its investment in a troubled Franco-German future fighter jet programme.
France has more than 900 troops deployed in the UAE, with some work targeting drug trafficking.
Major traffickers are suspected of finding refuge in the UAE, particularly Dubai, and amassing substantial real estate assets.
The French delegation included Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, who recently urged the UAE to extradite about 15 suspected drug traffickers to France. – AFP
