The one who will be the largest warship in Europe When it enters service in 2038 it will already have a name. The French president announced it, Emmanuel Macronthis Wednesday during a ceremony held at a facility Naval Groupone of the manufacturers along with Chantiers de l’Atlantique and others, near Nantes. The nuclear aircraft carrier 78,000 tons and 310 meters in length, until now known as PA-NGwill be called Free France.
This new generation aircraft carrier will replace the current flagship that is the backbone of French naval aviation and whose numbers it far surpasses. He Charles de Gaullewhich entered service in 2001 and is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier outside of those in the US Navy, measures 261 meters and move 42,000 tonswhile its successor is being designed on a much larger scale to respond to the operational needs of modern and future warfare.
France Libre will transport more than 40 aircraftincluding hunting Rafale Mearly warning aircraft E-2D Hawkeye and new generation combat drones. Its larger deck and greater internal capacity will increase the rate of departures and make air operations more efficient.
Unlike its predecessor, the new aircraft carrier will have electromagnetic catapults instead of steam systems. This upgrade will increase launch accuracy, reduce stress on aircraft and allow the ship to operate heavier and more advanced aircraft in the future.
Another important leap will come from its propulsion system. It will be driven by two new generation K22 nuclear reactorscombined with nuclear-electric propulsion. This configuration is expected to offer greater efficiency and much higher onboard energy capacity.
Modern aircraft carriers are no longer just platforms for launching fighters. They also act as command centers equipped with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities and secure communications networks. All of these systems require a significant amount of electrical energy..
Donner à la France les moyens de sa liberté. pic.twitter.com/rDEX0w4pTY
— Naval Group (@navalgroup) March 18, 2026
The new energy architecture will support not only current systems, but also future technologies such as directed energy weapons and autonomous aircraft operations. This positions the France Libre aircraft carrier to remain relevant throughout the 2040s, 2050s and beyond.
The aircraft carrier is being designed with defensive systems designed to operate in threat environments dominated by missiles and drones. The Charles de Gaulle relies on echelon defenses, including surface-to-air missiles and short-range defense systems, while the new ship expands this approach with vertical launch systems capable of firing missiles. Aster advanced. These systems will provide rapid response protection against incoming threats such as anti-ship missiles and enemy aircraft.
In addition, the design allows for future integration of the aforementioned directed energy weapons, which will strengthen defenses against drones and saturation attacks. The general objective is to create a more agile and flexible defensive shield around the aircraft carrier.
France Libre will operate as part of a broader force, supported by frigates, submarines and early warning aircraft. This combined approach will create a more robust and resilient defensive network.
The name France Libre has a strong historical meaning. It refers to the movement of the Free Franceled by Charles de Gaulle during the Second World Warwhich symbolized resistance against Nazi Germany.
The ship will allow France to maintain its naval aviation capabilities without depending on foreign basesguaranteeing operational freedom from the Mediterranean to the Indo-Pacific. It also supports the country’s defense industry by maintaining expertise in nuclear propulsion, shipbuilding and advanced combat systems.