France Confirms 3 Electromagnetic Catapults for PA-NG Next-Generation Nuclear Aircraft Carrier.

Three electromagnetic catapults will equip France’s PA-NG carrier, increasing launch rate and aircraft weight capacity. The configuration was confirmed on March 16 ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s March 18 visit to Naval Group’s Nantes-Indret facility, where nuclear propulsion construction has begun, as a fallback plan is prepared if U.S. approval is denied.

Catapult capacity sets the tempo of carrier air operations, especially for heavier assets like airborne early warning aircraft. The decision signals industrial progress but also highlights dependence on U.S. EMALS technology, forcing France to hedge against export risk as it targets a 2038 entry into service.

Related News: France launches construction of PA-NG next-generation nuclear aircraft carrier

The PA-NG is conceived on a far larger scale than the Charles de Gaulle, with a displacement of around 80,000 tonnes, a length of approximately 310 meters, and a flight deck about 85 meters wide, compared to 42,000 tonnes and 261 meters for its predecessor. (Picture source: Naval Group)

This development is disclosed as the program, launched in 2018, enters its industrial phase with the production of the K22 nuclear reactors. It reflects both a clear technological step beyond the Charles de Gaulle and a growing awareness of vulnerabilities tied to reliance on foreign critical systems.

The PA-NG is designed on a much larger scale than its predecessor. With a displacement close to 80,000 tonnes, an overall length of about 310 meters, and a flight deck width of around 85 meters, it significantly exceeds the Charles de Gaulle, which displaces 42,000 tonnes and measures 261 meters. This increase supports an air wing of approximately 40 aircraft, centered on Rafale Marine fighters at F4 and later F5 standards, alongside E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft whose weight and launch constraints directly influence catapult and arresting gear design. The air group will also include NH90 and H160M helicopters, and in the longer term, unmanned systems such as the nEUROn and future combat aircraft associated with the SCAF program.

In international comparison, the PA-NG positions itself among the largest non-U.S. aircraft carriers. It remains below the 100,000-ton Gerald R. Ford-class but aligns more closely with China’s Fujian, which combines similar displacement with electromagnetic catapults, though without nuclear propulsion. By contrast, the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, at around 65,000 to 70,000 tonnes, rely on short take-off and vertical landing operations, limiting their ability to operate heavy fixed-wing early warning aircraft and reducing overall air control capabilities compared to catapult-equipped carriers.

Nuclear propulsion is a defining feature of the program. The PA-NG will rely on two K22 reactors, each delivering around 220 MW of thermal power, compared to 150 MW for the K15 units aboard the Charles de Gaulle. Industrial work has already begun, including early manufacturing stages launched in 2025. These reactors are designed not only for propulsion but also to provide sustained electrical output for the ship’s full range of onboard systems. The production cycle follows a long timeline, with roughly twelve years between initial fabrication and operational readiness.

Video released by Naval Group regarding the announcement of the name of the future new-generation aircraft carrier (PA-NG), which is expected to be unveiled on March 18, 2026.

The transition from steam catapults to EMALS represents a major technological shift. Electromagnetic launch systems enable precise control of acceleration, adapting to different aircraft weights and reducing structural stress on airframes. This allows the launch of both heavy combat aircraft and lighter unmanned systems under optimal conditions. However, EMALS requires very high peak electrical loads over short durations, placing strict demands on onboard power generation and distribution architecture.

These energy requirements extend well beyond the launch system itself. The PA-NG must support advanced radar suites, electronic warfare systems, vertical launch systems, and potentially future directed-energy weapons. Maintaining stable power supply during simultaneous flight operations and combat system activity becomes a key factor in sustaining operational tempo and resilience at sea.

The combination of three catapults and increased electrical capacity enables a higher sortie generation rate. The carrier will be able to conduct faster launch cycles, sustain longer air operations, and integrate mixed formations of manned and unmanned aircraft. This enhances strike reach, persistent ISR coverage, and cooperative engagement capabilities within joint and allied frameworks.

The transition from the Charles de Gaulle remains a critical issue. As the French Navy operates a single carrier, maintenance cycles currently limit availability to around 65 percent. A major overhaul is planned later this decade, and a decision is expected around 2029 regarding a possible extension of service beyond 2038. This assessment will focus on the condition of the K15 reactors and the structural integrity of the hull, both key factors in avoiding a capability gap before the PA-NG enters service.

Financially, the program reflects long-term planning under constrained budgets. Around €7.3 billion has already been committed, with total costs estimated at over €10 billion. Annual expenditures remain relatively modest in the mid-2020s before increasing as construction accelerates in the next decade. Approximately 800 companies are involved, making the program a central pillar of the French defense industrial base.

Beyond technical considerations, the PA-NG underscores France’s intent to maintain an autonomous carrier strike capability in an increasingly contested strategic environment. The reliance on U.S.-supplied EMALS introduces a political variable into the program, prompting the development of contingency options. This dynamic highlights broader questions about strategic autonomy and may, over time, drive European efforts to develop sovereign alternatives for critical naval systems.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.