The aircraft carrier France Libre: key details of the successor to the Charles de Gaulle
In a move reflecting its military and technological ambitions, France has unveiled a major project to build the largest warship in its history.
The new aircraft carrier will be named “France Libre,” symbolizing strength and sovereignty for the decades ahead, according to France Info, which noted that it will measure 310 meters in length and feature multiple aircraft runways.
On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron officially launched the construction of the vessel, which will become the largest military ship ever built in France. The choice of name marks a departure from previous carriers, which were named after prominent historical figures.
Macron stated: “The new aircraft carrier will be named ‘France Libre.’ In this name lies the memory of the men and women who stood against barbarism.”
According to the French broadcaster, the name carries deep historical significance for what will be France’s most massive warship. The vessel will have a displacement of 78,000 tonnes, nearly twice that of the current carrier.
It is scheduled to replace the “Charles de Gaulle” aircraft carrier by 2038. Its initial features have been revealed through digital renderings presented by the defense company Naval Group.
The “France Libre” is designed to meet the demands of future warfare, with the capacity to carry approximately 40 aircraft, including fighter jets, drones, and other advanced aerial systems. One of its most notable innovations is the inclusion of three runways, enabling simultaneous takeoff and landing operations.
Jobs and major investment
Construction has already begun, and the project is expected to create up to 14,000 jobs as part of the largest shipbuilding effort in Europe, involving three French regions.
In the city of Saint-Nazaire, the program will ensure years of sustained activity. As one trainee noted: “I am undergoing vocational training and have found employment directly near my home in the region.” However, this industrial achievement comes at a significant cost, with the investment estimated at around €10 billion over a 20-year period.
The “France Libre” will be France’s second nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a capability currently possessed only by France and the United States.
