NEW FRENCH AIRCRAFT CARRIER TO BE BUILT – the largest military vessel ever built in France
The French Navy’s future nuclear-powered aircraft carrier – the largest military vessel ever built in France, set to replace the Charles-de-Gaulle in 2038 – will be named the Free-France (France-Libre in French).
At a time of war in the Middle East and security realignment in Europe, Macron, who had confirmed the start of construction in December 2025, said the new aircraft carrier will project French military prowess.
Only France and the United States currently possess nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The UK, China and India have conventionally powered aircraft carriers.
Following sea trials in 2036, the France-Libre will enter service in 2038 with a service life of around 45 years. The vessel’s operational capacity will surpass the Charles-de-Gaulle, currently in the eastern Mediterranean.
