Paris– French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday named France The next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier France Libre (“Free France”), designed as a symbol of national independence and an effort to strengthen the country’s naval forces, which have a presence in the Middle East region has been important from the beginning of Iran war.
Macron unveiled the warship’s name during a visit to the shipyard in the western city of Indrate, where its two nuclear reactors are to be built. France Libre, which is scheduled to enter service in 2038, will have a capacity of 30 Rafale fighter jets and 2,000 sailors at an estimated cost of 10 billion euros ($11.5 billion).
The move comes as France deploys eight frigates, two helicopter carriers and its current nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East. Charles de Gaulle. long sign on english vowel Large scale deployment described The French Navy was described as “phenomenal”, making France the European nation with the most prominent presence in the region.
France Libre, Macron said, is a direct reference to General Charles de Gaulle’s resistance movement, which joined Allied forces in liberating France and Europe from the Nazis during World War II.
He said, “In this name lives the memory of those women and men who stood up against barbarism, united to save the motherland, determined to defend a certain idea of our nation.” “So this name seals a promise for the future: To be free, we must be afraid. To be afraid, we must be powerful.”
The new ship would have a displacement of about 80,000 tons and a length of 310 meters (1,017 ft), compared to 42,000 tons and 261 meters (856 ft) for Charles de Gaulle.
It would still be smaller than the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, the world’s largest warship, which has a displacement of more than 100,000 tons and measures 1,100 feet (334 m).
Macron stressed that France would enhance France’s nuclear capabilities through its ability to carry nuclear-armed aircraft, like the French Libre Charles de Gaulle.
Earlier this month, Macron announced France will increase its nuclear arsenal and, for the first time, allowed the temporary deployment of its nuclear-armed aircraft in allied countries, in a new strategy aimed at strengthening Europe’s independence.
France has been The only nuclear power in the European Union Since Britain’s exit from the bloc in 2020.
