France to commission its largest nuclear aircraft carrier, France Libre, by 2038

France announced the construction of a new nuclear‑powered aircraft carrier named "France Libre" to replace the existing Charles de Gaulle. The vessel will be roughly 310 m long, 90 m wide and displace about 80,000 tonnes—almost double the weight of its predecessor—and will be powered by two K‑22 nuclear reactors driving three propeller shafts.

The carrier is slated for delivery to the French Navy in 2038 after a development and build phase that began in 2026. It will feature electromagnetic aircraft launch and advanced arresting systems, enabling simultaneous take‑off and landing of up to 60 sorties per day. Its air wing is expected to include about 30 Rafale fighters, several NH90 helicopters and E‑3D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, with provisions for future fifth‑ or sixth‑generation jets.

Strategically, the project is intended to reinforce France’s maritime sovereign capability and nuclear deterrence while concentrating resources on a single high‑capability platform rather than multiple smaller carriers. The program will employ up to 14,000 workers at peak construction and involve around 800 French firms, with the majority of the €12 billion cost remaining within the national economy.