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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
Jan van der Made with RFI

Macron unveils 'France Libre' as France’s next aircraft carrier

French President Emmanuel Macron stands next to the model of a ship named "France Libre" as he gives a speech during a visit to the construction site of Naval Group Nantes-Indret, where the next generation French aircraft carrier is under construction, in Indret, western France, on March 18, 2026. AFP - GONZALO FUENTES

President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that France's next aircraft carrier will be named France Libre, as the country seeks to reinforce its standing as a major maritime power.

Once completed, the France Libre, France's new nuclear-powered flagship, which is set to replace the country's sole aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, will be the largest warship ever built in Europe.

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