France to build large new nuclear aircraft carrier

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/france-to-build-large-new-nuclear-aircraft-carrier/

16 comments

  1. Makes sense. If the United States is stepping back then the EU is going to need some additional force projection to protect their trade routes. Specifically thinking about areas near the Suez Canal / Gulf of Aden.

  2. Can’t help but feel this money could be invested better elsewhere in the French military, global expeditionary power may be an appealing capability but a single carrier doesn’t do tha for you, especially considering the other shortcomings in the French Navy. With the UK leaving the EU its up to France to counterbalance Germany when it comes to both military and economic power within the block and this doesn’t contribute to that. Bolstering land forces which have been neglected for a while feels like more of a priority

  3. Waiting until 2038 for operational capability means we’re locking in a lot of assumptions about future conflicts, lots can change in a decade

  7. Building and maintaining nuclear carrier is so much more expensive and difficult than just building conventionally powered carrier.

    That France managed to do that with their current Charles DeGaul carrier is an amazing accomplishment as Soviet Union tried and failed to build nuclear carrier of their own.

  9. It makes sense considering France’s military strategy of “be able to do everything ourselves around the globe, to some degree”. I suspect if the EU ever gets a joint military structure the French will contribute a lot to its expeditionary forces and force projection.

  10. A issue is just one carrier. No matter how capable the ship it will need to be out of action for maintenance and for crew training. France should consider building two vessels like the British.

  11. I can understand nuclear power subs, they need to be quiet and go a long time without refuelling or anything.

    What’s the benefit to creating an aircraft carrier with nuclear power? It’s not like it’s being used for stealth. Then it’s always going to be escorted, so the fact it could go longer without fuel isn’t ever going to be utilised.

  13. Pretty sure drones would win against aircraft carrier unless that aircraft carrier can deal with swarms of 10k drones dropping or launching from some kind of mothership above or below water

  14. >build nuclear aircraft

    >carry them around in a ship

  15. Should come in handy for defeating small speed boats and stealing oil tankers

  16. >The carrier is expected to embark more than 40 aircraft

    Aww, that’s cute! (U.S. carriers have between 60 and 90) 🦅

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