France is set to begin construction of a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday.
"In times of aggression, we must be strong to be feared. I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier," Macron was quoted as saying by French media at a Christmas event at a French military base in the United Arab Emirates.
With a displacement of around 80,000 tons, the carrier will be almost twice as heavy as its predecessor, the Charles de Gaulle.
At 310 metres long and 85 metres wide, it is designed to accommodate 30 fighter jets and 2,000 crew members.
Construction is estimated to cost up to €10 million ($11.7 million). The carrier is expected to be operational from 2038, Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said on X.
France is the only country besides the US that owns a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The Charles de Gaulle was commissioned in 2001.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Virtual Domains d: A Survey of \Inundation and Ongoing interaction Mechanics\ Computer game - 2AbbVie plans to build out its presence in obesity market
- 3Astronomer captures 2 meteors slamming into the moon (video)
- 4Passover under fire: Israelis balance fatigue with cautious hope after month of war
- 5American tourists left stranded in the Caribbean following flight cancellations after airspace closed for Maduro operation
- Doctors say changes to US vaccine recommendations are confusing parents and could harm kids
- Misinterpretations and Mistakes Portrayed by Hollywood in the General set of laws
- Find the Keys to Fruitful Venture The board: Conveying Results on Time
- Moldova says Russian drones violated airspace
- Extravagance SUVs for Seniors: Solace, Innovation, and Security
- South Africa pushes for $200B investment
- Instructions to Shield Your Gold Speculation from Possible Dangers: Fundamental Protections
- 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' teaser trailer reveals Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby back in action
- Paraplegic engineer becomes the first wheelchair user to blast into space
