Representation of the next generation aircraft carrier France Libre
“Free France” doesn’t match what was happening decades ago: naming these ships after historical figures.
Charles de Gaulle was the last example. The current aircraft carrier is the most recent case of aircraft carriers France named after historical figures from the country.
Until Emmanuel Macron announced, this Wednesday, the name of France’s nuclear future is called “Free France”, or “Free France”.
It is first a strategic statement: in this more tense international context, France is preparing to reinforce its military capacity with a new nuclear aircraft carrier.
will be 10 billion euros for France to remain among the great military powers. It is one of the largest industrial investments in the country in recent decades, involving thousands of workers.
But the name is what’s talking: it is a symbolic break with the naval tradition in France.
Macron left aside historical names and opted for a collective symbol associated with the fight for freedomreinforcing a political message at a time of geopolitical instability.
The new ship, which should start operating in 2038, it will be significantly larger than its predecessor, measuring around 300 meters long and weighing approximately 80 thousand tons.
Equipped with nuclear propulsion and advanced technology, including electromagnetic catapults and the ability to operate combat aircraft and drones, the aircraft carrier aims to position France at the forefront of global naval powers.
France – the only nuclear power in the European Union – is also one of the few European countries with an aircraft carrier; the others are the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain.
