Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday the plans to build a new, larger and more modern aircraft carrier to replace the old Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. According to Reuters, the program, known as «Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération», is estimated to cost around 10.25 billion euros. The French government has also stated that the new ship will be operational until 2038, the year in which the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is expected to be decommissioned. «In accordance with the last two laws on military programming and after a thorough and comprehensive analysis, I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier,» Macron said during a visit to French troops in the United Arab Emirates, notes France24. The French president also mentioned that the final decision was made this week. «In an age of predators, we must be strong to be feared,» Macron said. The new aircraft carrier will be larger than the current one, will have a crew of 2,000 people and will be able to carry 30 fighter jets. The new aircraft carrier, which would be the largest warship ever built in Europe, is essential for France's nuclear deterrent, but also for Europe's efforts to gain greater defense autonomy. France is the only nuclear power in the EU and is among the few European countries that own an aircraft carrier, along with Great Britain, Italy and Spain.
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