Archive · 22 Dec 2025
France to Build New Aircraft Carrier
President Macron of France visited the UAE and met with the UAE's president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
They talked about making their countries' friendship stronger in areas like the economy, technology, and the military.
Macron also told French soldiers in the UAE that France will build a new, bigger, and more modern aircraft carrier.
This new ship will replace the old one, called the Charles de Gaulle, which has been in service since 2001.
The new carrier is expected to be ready by 2038.
Macron said this project will help France's military and small businesses.
Some people in France think the project should wait because of money problems, but Macron believes it's important for France to stay strong at sea.
France is one of the few countries with nuclear weapons and a big military.
President Macron announced plans to build a new, larger, and more modern aircraft carrier to replace the Charles de Gaulle.
The new vessel is expected to enter service in 2038, around the time the Charles de Gaulle is set to retire.
The Charles de Gaulle entered service in 2001 and was commissioned in 1986.
Macron made the announcement while speaking to troops based in Abu Dhabi, near the Strait of Hormuz.
Some French lawmakers suggest postponing the project due to strained state finances.
- Who
- President Emmanuel Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- What
- Announcement of a new aircraft carrier and strengthening bilateral cooperation
- When
- December 21, 2023
- Where
- Abu Dhabi, near Strait of Hormuz
- Why
- To replace the ageing Charles de Gaulle, boost France's maritime power, and deepen cooperation with the UAE
Proponents
Opponents
Project Timing
Proponents
President Macron believes the project should proceed as planned to ensure France's maritime power and replace the ageing Charles de Gaulle by 2038.
Opponents
Some French lawmakers suggest postponing the project due to strained state finances.
- Current Carrier
- Charles de Gaulle
- New Carrier Entry
- 2038
- Current Carrier Entry
- 2001
- Current Carrier Commission
- 1986
- Location of Announcement
- Abu Dhabi, near Strait of Hormuz
- Announcement Date
- December 21, 2023
- Announced By
- President Emmanuel Macron
- Project Timeline
- Decision made this week
- Meeting With UAE
- President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Areas of Cooperation
- Economy, investment, culture, renewable energy, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability
Sources
France to build new aircraft carrier, Macron tells troops based in Gulf
France to strengthen military as Macron announces new aircraft carrier after voluntary service rollout
UAE, French presidents vow to strengthen bilateral cooperation
