Future French carrier may receive EMALS and AAG from US
Rendering of the PANG future aircraft carrier for the French Navy. (Image: Naval Group)
US State Department approves potential $1.32 billion deal for electromagnetic aircraft launch system and aircraft arresting gear to be sold to France — Congress will now decide.
The Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PANG) future aircraft carrier programme for the French Navy could include US-made electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear (AAG) equipment, in a proposed FMS deal worth an estimated $1.32 billion.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems and Huntington Ingalls Industries would be the prime contractors, the US State Department announced on 21 December, adding: ‘The proposed sale will result in continuation of interoperability between the United States and France.’
As well as the EMALS in a twin-launch configuration and AAG in a three-engine configuration, the FMS package would include land-based testing and test spares; shipboard installation on PANG; testing and certification support; shipboard spares; ‘peculiar support equipment’; government furnished equipment; a multi-purpose reconfigurable training system; operator and maintainer training; and other logistical services.
The PANG programme to build a new aircraft carrier for the French Navy was formally approved by President Emanuel Macron on 8 December 2020.
Planned to enter service in 2038 as a replacement for Charles de Gaulle, the new nuclear-powered carrier is expected to cost more than €5 billion ($6.06 billion).
The vessel will be 300m long with a beam of 40m and displacement of 75,000t. It will accommodate 30 aircraft and a 2,000-strong crew.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
PANG (Porte Avion Nouvelle Generation) [France]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027]()
US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027
After recording a nearly six-year delay in the OPC schedule, the USCG intends to advance with the programme, reaching multiple milestones in the short term.
-
![Lockheed Martin confirms 2029 target date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE integration]()
Lockheed Martin confirms 2029 target date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE integration
Enabling Aegis-equipped vessels to launch PAC-3 MSE interceptors will give the USN more options to engage highly manoeuvrable hypersonic missiles – including the ones China has been developing.
