Charles de Gaulle completes midlife refit
Naval Group has delivered the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the French Navy after the completion of its €1.3 billion midlife refit, the company announced on 8 November. The vessel will now start ramping up its systems before returning to operations.
The in-depth renovation of the carrier was performed to ensure the vessel’s operational performance for the next 25 years. The programme modernised the combat system, including the modernisation of the tactical system, installation of new digital networks, complete replacement of the control room, renovation of the telecommunications systems, and replacement of the air search and navigation radars.
Secondly, the modernisation of the aviation installations covered all the necessary modifications to switch to an all-Rafale setup including modification and renovation of the aviation spaces, and renovation or replacement of deck-landing systems.
The third component of the refit included the modernisation of the vessel control PLCs, renovation of the automatic stabilisation and steering control system, replacement of two units of the vessel’s cooling system, and refit of the control simulator and one galley.
Deep maintenance of major installations was also carried out.
The programme was conducted by Team France, which included the DGA, French Navy and SSF. Naval Group worked with defence original equipment manufacturers TechnicAtome, Thales and Safran.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress]()
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
-
![US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers
Contracts for new light and medium cutters are expected to be awarded in mid-2026.
-
![Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening]()
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
-
![First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026]()
First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026
Canadian Coast Guard Ship Arpatuuq construction is in the block manufacturing phase. Once built, it will be the largest vessel in the Coast Guard’s inventory.
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
