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New NATO Aircraft Carrier: To Revolutionize Maritime Warfare, France Announces New Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Weighing Almost 80 Thousand Tons of New Generation with Capacity for Up to 2,000 People.
While preliminary design studies for the new Next Generation Nuclear Aircraft Carrier of the French Navy (PA-NG) continue, the characteristics of the new NATO aircraft carrier are becoming increasingly clear. Starting with its tonnage, which will be slightly higher than the initial estimate of 75 thousand tons, potentially revolutionizing maritime warfare.
France Signs 600 Million Euro Contract to Build New Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
France’s ambitions to enter a new era of naval power are taking an important step with the confirmation from the Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) of the first orders for the nuclear propulsion system of the new NATO PANG aircraft carrier of the French Navy.
The French Navy will hire a network of suppliers and industrial subcontractors in the nuclear sector under a significant contract worth 600 million euros (640 million dollars). These fundamental orders lay the groundwork for the production of key elements essential for the production system, paving the way for the construction of the entire aircraft carrier.
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The Naval Group, the leading French defense company, plays a key role in this task, overseeing the industrialization and production of the main components of the nuclear boiler rooms of the new nuclear aircraft carrier. Its responsibilities extend to multiple locations, including Cherbourg and Nantes-Indret.
Additionally, Chantiers de l’Atlantique will oversee the modification of its facilities located in Saint-Nazaire to adapt them for the construction phase. TechnicAtome, the main contractor for the nuclear boiler rooms based in Aix-en-Provence, will be responsible for the design and industrial oversight necessary for the construction process of the new NATO aircraft carrier.
Understand the Importance of France’s New Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
The operation is essential for France in its plans to begin construction of a new next-generation nuclear aircraft carrier.
Known as Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération (PANG), the project began its preliminary studies in October 2018. These efforts were followed by extensive risk reduction and innovation studies between January 2021 and December 2023, along with preliminary design studies from the first quarter of 2021 to the first quarter of 2023.
The PANG program, which promises to revolutionize maritime warfare, is now in the definition phase, which is expected to be completed by December 2025, with the milestone of the system’s functional review. The decision to move to the development and production phase is expected by late 2025 or early 2026, beginning a decade of activities between 2026 and 2036.
During this period, several critical milestones are expected, such as preliminary design review in the fourth quarter of 2028, critical review in the fourth quarter of 2029, and the start of the first sea trials in late 2035 or early 2036. The delivery and entry into service of the aircraft carrier are expected by late 2036 or early 2037 and late 2037 or early 2038, respectively.
About the PANG Program
The PANG, a new futuristic nuclear aircraft carrier that will replace the current Charles de Gaulle in 2038, promises to be an engineering marvel, with unmatched power and capabilities that solidify France’s position as a maritime power for the coming decades.
The program represents a significant advancement in naval technology. With an initial displacement expected of 75 thousand tons, already on its way to 80 thousand, and dimensions of 310 meters in length and 85 meters in width at its widest point.
Powered by two state-of-the-art nuclear reactors provided by TechnicAtome, the new NATO aircraft carrier will have three engine shafts, ensuring greater maneuverability and agility.
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