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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 thousand people.
While preliminary design studies continue for the new French Navy's new generation nuclear aircraft carrier (PA-NG), the characteristics of NATO's new aircraft carrier are becoming increasingly clear. Starting with its tonnage, which will be slightly higher than the initial estimate of 75 tons, and could revolutionize maritime warfare.
France signs €600 million contract to build new nuclear aircraft carrier
France's ambitions to enter a new era of naval power are taking an important step forward with the confirmation of the General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) of the first orders for the nuclear propulsion system of the future NATO aircraft carrier PANG of the French Navy.
The French Navy will contract a network of industrial suppliers and subcontractors from the nuclear sector under a major contract worth 600 million euros ($640 million). These key orders lay the foundation for the production of key elements essential to the production system, paving the way for the construction of the entire aircraft carrier.
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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 sites, including Charbourg and Nantes-Indret.
In addition, Chantiers de l'Atlantique will oversee the modification of its facilities located in Saint-Nazaire to adapt them to 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 supervision required for the construction process of the new NATO aircraft carrier.
Understand the importance of France's new nuclear aircraft carrier
The operation is crucial 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 Q2021 2023 to QXNUMX XNUMX.
The PANG program, which promises to revolutionize maritime warfare, is now in the definition phase, which is scheduled to be completed in December 2025, with the landmark functional review of the system. The decision to move to the development and production phase is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, beginning a decade of activities between 2026 and 2036.
During this period, several critical milestones are planned, such as the preliminary design review in the fourth quarter of 2028, the critical review in the fourth quarter of 2029, and the start of the first sea trials in late 2035 or early 2036. Delivery and entry into service of the aircraft carrier are planned for late 2036 or early 2037 and late 2037 or early 2038, respectively.
About the PANG Program
The PANG, a futuristic new nuclear aircraft carrier that will replace the current Charles de Gaulle in 2038, promises to be an engineering marvel, with unparalleled power and capabilities that will cement France's position as a maritime power for decades to come.
The program represents a significant advance in naval technology. With an initial predicted displacement of 75 thousand tons, already on the 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 supplied by TechnicAtome, NATO's new aircraft carrier will have three drive axles, ensuring greater maneuverability and agility.
