Name: France to build a new aircraft carrier as display of nations power
Uploaded: 2025-12-22T11:37:13.387Z
Duration: 1 min 42 s
Description: French President Emmanuel Macron is in the United Arab Emirates to celebrate Christmas with the French troops stationed there. Macron also held meetings with the Emirati president - as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties - and provide stability for the Middle East. The UAE is a major purchaser of French military hardware.

French President Emmanuel Macron is in the United Arab Emirates to celebrate Christmas with the French troops stationed there. Macron also held meetings with the Emirati president - as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties - and provide stability for the Middle East. The UAE is a major purchaser of French military hardware.

Abu Dhabi

French President Emmanuel Macron, while visiting the United Arab Emirates, announced that France will construct a new aircraft carrier to replace the aging Charles de Gaulle. The new vessel, expected to enter service in 2038, will be larger and capable of carrying 2,000 soldiers, reinforcing France's naval strength.

Macron highlighted that the project will boost France's industrial base and generate significant business opportunities. The announcement also underscored the strategic partnership between France and the UAE, which has been a major buyer of French weaponry and collaborates with France on regional security and anti-drug trafficking efforts.

France to build a new aircraft carrier as 'display of nation's power'

Sharing a Christmas meal is part of the traditional year-end holiday celebrations with French soldiers. This year, the French president is in the United Arab Emirates and he had a major announcement to make. We must be strong to be feared and especially strong at sea. In accordance with the two last military programming laws and after a thorough and careful review I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier. The move will replace the aging Charles de Gaulle, the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier outside the U.S. Navy. The new vessel, which is expected to enter service in 2038, will be bigger than its predecessor and able to carry 2,000 soldiers. Macron says the project will boost France's industrial base and generate sizable business. French arms companies are also pleased the president chose to visit Abu Dhabi. The UAE has been the largest buyer of French weaponry over the last decade. A strategic partnership, as the president acknowledged in his address to the troops. Our Emirati comrades know this. In times of crisis, they can count on France. Thanks to the actions of the French forces here, France holds a unique position in the Middle East. The UAE is also an important partner in the fight against drug trafficking, a priority for the French president as he seeks extradition for some 15 suspected dealers wanted by France.

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