France Details Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Program
France's new aircraft carrier program is moving into the detailed design phase as it aims for a 2038 entry-into-service date.
An impression of the PANG, complete with an air wing of NGFs, E-2Ds and NH90 helicopters, reveals a vessel close in concept to the U.S. Navy’s larger Ford-class ships. (Photo: DGA/Naval Group)
An impression of the PANG, complete with an air wing of NGFs, E-2Ds and NH90 helicopters, reveals a vessel close in concept to the U.S. Navy’s larger Ford-class ships. (Photo: DGA/Naval Group)

In early December, French president Emmanuel Macron announced that the country’s Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PANG, new-generation aircraft carrier) will be nuclear-powered. The statement brought to an end the €40 million initial architecture and propulsion study phase of the project, which began in October 2018 following the program's launch at that month’s Euronaval show in Paris. Macron's recent announcement was accompanied by the release of more details about the vessel, which is scheduled to enter service in 2038.


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