On March 18 local time, French President Macron announced in Nantes, a city in western France, that France has launched the construction of a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, named "Liberté de France," and he called this new carrier the "guarantee for France to maintain independence" for the next few decades.
Currently, France has only one aircraft carrier, the "Charles de Gaulle," a nuclear-powered carrier deployed in the eastern Mediterranean. Once completed, the "Liberté de France" will replace the "Charles de Gaulle," and it will also be the largest warship by displacement in European countries.
What are the advantages of the "Liberté de France" compared to the "Charles de Gaulle"?
Why did France finally decide to build a new aircraft carrier?
01
What are the advantages of the "Liberté de France"?
The advanced nature of the "Liberté de France" mainly lies in its higher level of automation, which can better control air and sea power over a vast area, and it can also serve as the flagship of the European naval joint fleet.
The "Liberté de France" has a displacement of up to 78,000 tons, allowing it to deploy at sea for a longer period and carry more carrier-based aircraft, reaching the level of a large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. During the design and manufacturing process of the "Liberté de France," France will maintain the maximum degree of self-reliance, minimizing reliance on external systems. The two reactors, the hull, the communication equipment on the ship's island, and the advanced radar system are all independently developed by European defense groups. The carrier's initial aircraft will mainly be an improved version of the independently developed "Rafale M" by France. The "Liberté de France" will also be equipped with stealth carrier-based drones developed by France or Europe, capable of operating in conjunction with the "Rafale M."
02
Why did France finally decide to build a new aircraft carrier?
France considered two aspects mainly.
Firstly, around 2038, the "Charles de Gaulle" nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be an aging medium-sized nuclear-powered maritime combat platform, so it needs to be replaced.
Secondly, using a large and advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier can promote the unity of European maritime forces and drive the development of a common maritime joint operation system in Europe. In the future, France's large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, along with the two "Queen Elizabeth"-class conventionally powered carriers of the British Navy, and the light aircraft carrier of Italy, will form a standardized, integrated, and joint maritime combat system, integrating European maritime combat forces to meet the future defense demands of Europe, and to minimize dependence on American military power.
Additionally, France can take the leadership role to promote European defense integration, especially in the development of a joint maritime combat system in Europe, where France hopes to have unique advantages.
Source: China Global Radio
Original: toutiao.com/article/7618952207971303977/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.