“ He who controls the sea controls the world. » This maxim seems particularly significant in a context where geopolitical tensions are intensifying, whether around Greenland or in Iran. Therefore, Emmanuel Macron formalized in December the launch of the construction of the future new generation aircraft carrier (PA-NG), which is to replace the Charles de Gaulleat the end of service, by 2038.
With 30 combat aircraft, a length of around 310 meters and a mass of up to 80,000 tonnes (roughly double the Charles de Gaulle), this new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be the largest warship ever built in Europe. “In the age of predators, we must be strong to be feared, and especially strong at sea”insisted the President of the Republic during his trip last month to Abu Dhabi.
“A true power tool”
Along with the United Kingdom, France is one of the only European countries to have an aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle. “It is a rare and expensive military instrument,” underlines Patrick Chevallereau, defense specialist and vice-president of the Open Diplomacy institute. Flexible in use, an aircraft carrier is a huge modern air base capable of moving tens of thousands of kilometers from the mainland. Nuclear-powered, it can strike at any time and in any place to defend its interests. “An aircraft carrier is 40,000 tons of diplomacy”, adds the specialist, emphasizing its dissuasive role.
“The PA-NG will be a major maritime power tool for France”
This is currently illustrated with the deployment of American aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln on the outskirts of Iran, where the mere presence of the building is enough to weigh on the balance of negotiations. For Patrick Chevallereau, there is no doubt: the new generation nuclear aircraft carrier (PA-NG) will constitute for France “a major tool of maritime power”, while the international situation is deteriorating.
As the United States, Russia and China adopt a “logic of predation”he considers that we enter into “a new era” geopolitical uncertainty and technological race, in which the PA-NG appears essential to France to “weigh in the international concert and defend its interests”. An idea shared by Yannick Chenevard, dFrench MP, Navy budget rapporteur and specialist in defense issues in the National Assembly. “Faced with this return of empires, we either choose to endure, or we ensure that we continue to be a great nation”he insists.
“Thinking about an aircraft carrier means thinking today for tomorrow’s battles”
He believes that this aircraft carrier project is crucial for national sovereignty: “Thinking about an aircraft carrier means thinking today for tomorrow’s battles.” With its frigates, nuclear attack submarines, nuclear ballistic missile submarines and its aircraft carrier, France constitutes “the leading naval power of Europe”, which holds an important weight in the defense of the EU. “It must maintain this ambition, to continue and develop its power and its military capabilities,” he insists, because European autonomy is based on the growing power of member states.
Building an aircraft carrier, a real technological challenge
“An aircraft carrier requires years of preparation and studies to achieve it,” recalls Yannick Chenevard, thus justifying a budgetary investment designed for the long term. “An aircraft carrier is a concentrate of technologies, all brought together in a limited mass”, also notes Robert Feuilloy, former captain, pilot and officer, in charge of the program of the Charles de Gaullefinally put into service in 2001.
The PA-NG, he explains, takes a classic structure similar to the Charles de Gaulleall in “ bigger, longer, heavier and more powerful.” The break between the two ships will be mainly technological, with the integration of drones and network operation based on artificial intelligence. “Therein lies the real challenge: we are no longer talking just about a ship, but about an onboard digital system, connected to the entire naval force,” he emphasizes. Between infrastructure constraints, delays and budgetary restrictions, he insists on one point: building an aircraft carrier “requires a robust industrial base”. Some strategic equipment, such as catapults and electromagnetic arrest systems, depends on the United States. “We must not offend the American ally”he warns.
But to guarantee our independence and ensure our interests are respected in our vast maritime spaces, from the Antilles to Guyana, from Reunion to New Caledonia, having an aircraft carrier is not negotiable. “More than ever, you have to be powerful to be respected. »
