French President Macron visits French troops in the UAE and announces the start of construction of a future aircraft carrier

President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday in Abu Dhabi the start of construction of a new French aircraft carrier, which is expected to be commissioned in 2038 to replace the "Charles de Gaulle".

While spending Christmas with French troops in Abu Dhabi, President Macron said: "According to two recent military planning laws, after a thorough and careful review, I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier."

He said, "The new carrier will demonstrate our power - industrial power, technological power, and the power to ensure freedom of navigation at sea in turbulent times."

He added, "The decision to launch this large-scale project was made this week."

AFP reported that despite the government's budget difficulties, the news of the official start of construction has been highly anticipated. However, obstacles to the required investment and the increasing threats faced by France have placed pressure on the project.

According to the information, the new carrier will also use nuclear propulsion and will be much larger than the current one, with a displacement of nearly 80,000 tons, a length of about 310 meters, while the "Charles de Gaulle" has a displacement of 42,000 tons and a length of 261 meters. The new carrier can carry 2,000 sailors and 30 fighter jets.

However, given that the French military mentioned the risk of conflict with Russia in three or four years, there are concerns that the construction budget for the new carrier may be diverted to more urgent matters.

General Fabien Mandon, Chief of the French Armed Forces, recently pointed out, "We cannot be satisfied with tools designed in the mid-20th century," seemingly questioning the concept of an aircraft carrier.

The general specifically emphasized that the new ship "needs to stay at sea for a long time" and be able to carry "various types of drones."

In addition, the French Navy said they currently only have the "Charles de Gaulle" carrier available, with an availability rate of 65%. If the construction of the new carrier is delayed, leading to its commissioning being postponed, the navy could face a situation without any carrier available.

At the time when the "Charles de Gaulle" is about to undergo major technical maintenance, a study will determine in 2029 whether the ship can continue to operate for a few more years after 2038, based on the condition of its nuclear reactor and structure.

President Emmanuel Macron announced this news during his visit to the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is a military ally of France, and Paris hopes to strengthen its "strategic partnership" with the country and to enhance cooperation in combating drug trafficking.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852166776093707/

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