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
At least 490 protesters killed in Iran, activists say - 2Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey will reunite for 'Sunday in the Park With George'
- 3Figure out How to Use Your Nursing Abilities for Better Compensation
- 4Is 'Stranger Things' releasing one last episode? The 'Conformity Gate' fan theory explained as speculation mounts.
- 5Careful Connections: Building Association and Trust
- Pope Leo XIV calls for urgent climate action and says God’s creation is 'crying out'
- The cheap health insurance promoted by Trump officials has this catch
- Investigating Design and Individual Style: Track down Your Remarkable Look
- Trial of pro-Palestine activist begins
- IDF bans Android phones for senior officers, iPhones now mandatory, Army Radio reports
- Vote In favor of Your Favored Pet Consideration Administration
- Here's what can happen if you drive under the influence of pot
- As tetanus vaccination rates decline, doctors worry about rising case numbers
- Figure out how to Perceive Warnings while Looking for an Auto Collision Lawyer
