THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER FRANCE LIBRE

To guarantee France’s sovereignty and provide the French Navy with the means to project its power, the new-generation aircraft carrier will incorporate major innovations:
• A new-generation nuclear propulsion thanks to its two K22 reactors, which build on previous generations whilst delivering breakthrough performance in terms of power, energy and availability;
• Interoperable aviation systems equipped with electromagnetic catapults capable of launching all types of aircrafts (planes and drones);
• A modular and resilient combat system able to adapt to evolving threats and to rapidly integrate technological innovations;
• Increased carrying capacity, thanks to a 40% increase in space compared to the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier;
• The integration of the ASN-4G missile, enabling the projection of nuclear deterrence;
• A data centric, modular and natively cyber-secure digital architecture, capable of integrating artificial intelligence, collaborative combat and future effectors as innovations emerge;
• Redesigned living quarters to improve living crew conditions.
The industrial partners have worked according to an optimal and robust schedule, which enables us to meet the deadlines for this phase of the ship’s construction.

The new-generation aircraft carrier programme, the result of cutting-edge industrial expertise, benefits the French economy as a whole, as well as numerous SMEs and mid-sized companies working alongside Naval Group, TechnicAtome and Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
 

To ensure delivery in 2038, the entire French defence technological and industrial base is being mobilised. The construction of the new-generation aircraft carrier will support thousands of jobs across the country until its commissioning, with an average of 8,800 jobs* over the 2026-2038 period, and up to 14,000 jobs* at the peak of activity.
The Pays de la Loire, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Brittany regions will be particularly involved throughout the programme. They account for around 70% of the program’s socio-economic impact, through the sites of Naval Group, Chantiers de l’Atlantique and TechnicAtome, as well as through various SMEs and mid-size companies.
To support the ramp-up of the programme and the associated jobs, a major modernisation of the infrastructure and industrial facilities is planned across various sites of Naval Group, Chantiers de l’Atlantique and TechnicAtome.
Over 90% of the purchases required for the programme will be made in France. These purchases will be sourced from a network of around 800 suppliers, including more than 600 SMEs and mid-sized companies, reflecting significant territorial economic and sovereignty stakes.