The new vessel, part of the Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PANG) programme, is expected to be operational by 2038, when the current carrier is due to retire
France will build a new and larger aircraft carrier to replace its ageing
Charles de Gaulle, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday. The move was revealed during Macron’s trip to the United Arab Emirates, where he was speaking to French troops stationed near the Strait of Hormuz, as per Reuters.
Macron said the decision to proceed with the carrier programme was taken this week and will boost France’s industrial base, especially benefiting small and medium-sized businesses.
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‘Strong to be feared’“We must be strong in order to be feared, and in particular strong at sea,” Macron told the troops, reiterating France’s commitment to maintaining a robust naval presence.
Aux côtés des forces françaises aux Émirats arabes unis, mon message à l’ensemble des soldats, marins et aviateurs :https://t.co/Iq7Y80Py2C
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 21, 2025The new vessel, part of the Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (Pang) programme, is expected to be operational by 2038, when the current carrier is due to retire. It will be larger and more modern than the Charles de Gaulle and is designed to enhance France’s ability to project power globally, reported BBC.
Macron said the project reflects France’s longstanding strategic priorities and fits within recent military planning laws, following a comprehensive review of defence needs. “The decision to launch this vast programme was taken this week,” he said during his address.
Why does the new carrier matter?Officials say the aircraft carrier project will involve hundreds of suppliers across France, potentially revitalising sectors of the defence industry, particularly for smaller firms. Macron added he would personally support these companies and plans to visit the shipyard early next year.
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While France remains one of the few European nations with an aircraft carrier, the new build is also seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen Europe’s defence autonomy amid geopolitical uncertainties. In simple terms, building the Pang is Paris showing it wants to stay a strong naval power and keep both its own and its allies’ interests safe in a tricky world.
