In 2038, the new aircraft carrier, named “France libre”, is scheduled to be delivered to replace the Charles-de-Gaulle. An essential operation to “replace a tired ship,” explains Victor Masson, a research fellow and naval expert at the FRS (Foundation for Strategic Research).
At a time when France is renewing its naval air capacity, the question of the future aircraft carrier sparks debates and questions. Cost, strategic utility, adaptation to new forms of warfare: the stakes are high. To better understand the reasons for this choice and the characteristics of the future vessel, we interviewed Victor Masson, a naval expert, who deciphers the challenges and ambitions of this major program for the French Navy.
Why does France need to change aircraft carriers? Victor Masson: A new vessel is needed for several reasons, primarily related to the nuclear heating system. After over 30 years of service, the Charles-de-Gaulle is a tired ship. Extending its lifespan is not viable, it is more interesting to go for a new aircraft carrier.
What will the next vessel look like? An aircraft carrier is a whole ship, capable of moving and projecting its power. It carries a number of fighter jets and aircraft that make up this projection capacity. It is also a command ship, with a chief of staff on board, capable of planning missions and collecting information through advanced radar systems and data centers.
Is this choice necessary despite criticisms about the cost? Like all trade-offs, it can be criticized depending on the point of view. But the aircraft carrier remains an essential tool, no other vessel is equivalent. It is difficult to replace its projection capacity with planes from French territory or allied bases. Renewing the naval air component is therefore a positive choice.
With “France libre,” the navy is starting a new vessel for the next 40 years. How will it respond to modern conflict evolutions, especially with the rise of drones? The new generation of aircraft carriers will carry adapted drones, capable of being launched by catapult. To protect itself, the aircraft carrier remains a difficult mobile target to reach. It is accompanied by defense frigates equipped to neutralize threats and preserve the vessel, while the embarked aircrafts also provide protection. Attempts of drone and missile attacks have already been made by Iran and the Houthis, and they have failed. The next aircraft carrier will be designed to remain operational for several decades and will be able to adapt to new threats and changes in its environment.
Is there a risk of it becoming obsolete upon delivery in 2038? There will inevitably be technological advancements in 12 years, but the vessel is planned to integrate them. It is a complex object that requires extensive planning, and it will not be obsolete at its launch. Many describe the aircraft carrier as a costly and vulnerable giant target, but that is not the case: its defense systems are very advanced against aerial, maritime, and submarine threats. It also contributes to the protection of other ships around it.
The program is estimated at around 10 billion euros, is the cost justified? The 10 billion euros cover the study, development, construction, and commissioning, with nearly a billion for the nuclear heating system. The aircraft carrier will largely be built using French systems and companies, benefiting the national economy.
What is the interest of nuclear propulsion? France, along with the United States, is the only country using nuclear propulsion on aircraft carriers. It is a strategic choice, the ship is not dependent on refueling with fuel on land and can move quickly over long distances.
What will happen to the Charles-de-Gaulle? The Charles-de-Gaulle will remain in service during the transition, but there are no plans to extend its lifespan to operate two vessels simultaneously. It would be too expensive and would require too many human resources, about 2,000 people per vessel. The handover will occur with the new aircraft carrier.
Victor Masson works on defense and security issues, particularly military and operational challenges. He is a research fellow and naval expert at the FRS (Foundation for Strategic Research). His research focuses on naval center.
