France is set to begin construction of a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday.
"In times of aggression, we must be strong to be feared. I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier," Macron was quoted as saying by French media at a Christmas event at a French military base in the United Arab Emirates.
With a displacement of around 80,000 tons, the carrier will be almost twice as heavy as its predecessor, the Charles de Gaulle.
At 310 metres long and 85 metres wide, it is designed to accommodate 30 fighter jets and 2,000 crew members.
Construction is estimated to cost up to €10 million ($11.7 million). The carrier is expected to be operational from 2038, Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said on X.
France is the only country besides the US that owns a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The Charles de Gaulle was commissioned in 2001.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
New funding transforms lives by expanding electricity access across Africa - 2Most loved Amusement Park for Small children: Which One Do You Suggest?
- 3How to watch the ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ special — now streaming
- 4It's been 20 years since MTV's golden couple split. These producers saw it all unravel.
- 510 times the sky amazed us in 2025
- The Solution to Flexibility: Developing Internal Fortitude Notwithstanding Misfortune
- Clocks to go forward one hour in Europe as summer time starts
- The Most Compelling Innovation Advancements Somewhat recently
- Burkina Faso forces killed twice as many civilians as jihadists, rights group says
- The Most Vital Crossroads in Olympic History
- Famous Versatile Brands: Your Decision
- Little Italy Mercato brings fresh food and community to downtown San Diego
- NASA shares first photos of Earth taken by Artemis II
- Fireball sightings are surging across the US — here's what's really going on
