France’s only aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle (R91), will come under NATO’s command for the first time.
NATO made the following statement on its official X account:
“Charles de Gaulle carrier is coming under NATO command for the first time. Reflecting our shared commitment to cooperation and interoperability. This warship keeps vital sea lanes open and secure, increasing NATO’s vigilance in the Mediterranean Sea.”
The carrier has recently undergone modernisation work by French shipbuilder Naval Group. Modernisation encompasses the renewal of catapults and important carrier facilities. Charles de Gaulle was scheduled to resume its operations this month after the completion of the modernisation work.
Charles de Gaulle (R91) is France’s sole aircraft carrier. The CATOBAR-type nuclear-powered carrier is fitted with Dassault Rafale fighter jets, E-2 Hawkeye shipborne AEW&C aircraft, and helicopters.
France plans to build a future carrier to succeed Charles de Gaulle (R91) under the New Generation Aircraft Carrier (Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Generation/ PANG) programme. The future carrier will be nuclear-powered and have an EMALS catapult system. It will support FCAS aircraft in future.
French Aircraft Carrier Goes Under NATO Command
