The future French aircraft carrier will not be affected by American technological changes
The French government recently responded to announcements from the United States regarding the abandonment of electromagnetic catapults, known as "EMALS," on future American aircraft carriers. This technology, developed by the company General Atomics, was initially planned for the new ships of the U.S. Navy.
Donald Trump's decision to forgo this system raised questions about the construction of the future French aircraft carrier, the "France Libre." Indeed, France regularly collaborates with the United States for the development of its advanced military equipment.
However, French authorities quickly dismissed any risk to the national project. According to the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the French program follows an independent schedule and set of technological choices. The "France Libre" does not depend on this American decision for its technical development.
French engineers are therefore continuing to work on the catapult system planned for the future ship. France maintains its objective of modernizing its fleet with reliable technologies, while ensuring the sovereignty of its maritime military capabilities for the decades to come.