Macron Launches France's New Aircraft Carrier Project and Strengthens Anti-Drug Cooperation in UAE

On December 21, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron took major steps to reinforce France's military strength and international cooperation during his visit to Abu Dhabi. He officially launched the construction of a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, set to replace the aging Charles-de-Gaulle by 2038. Simultaneously, he emphasized enhanced collaboration with the United Arab Emirates in combating drug trafficking.

The new carrier will be a substantial upgrade, weighing approximately 80,000 tons and measuring about 310 meters in length, compared to the current Charles-de-Gaulle's 42,000 tons and 261 meters. It is designed to accommodate 2,000 sailors and 30 combat aircraft, reflecting a significant expansion in French maritime capabilities. President Macron stressed that despite fiscal pressures, he remains committed to this strategic military investment and assured oversight of the project's 800 suppliers, planning a visit to the construction site in February 2026.

However, there are concerns about shifting priorities due to possible future military tensions with Russia, which could impact funding for the carrier. French armed forces leadership has highlighted the need for a modern naval platform capable of sustained deployment, as the current aircraft carrier operates only 65% of the time. A technical evaluation scheduled for 2029 will determine if the Charles-de-Gaulle can be extended beyond its planned retirement.

Alongside bolstering military assets, Macron visited the French military contingent stationed in the UAE to celebrate Christmas and reaffirm support for troops engaged in anti-drug trafficking efforts. He called for increased cooperation with the Emirates, highlighting the critical importance of international partnerships to effectively tackle narcotics smuggling.

These moves underscore Macron's dual focus on modernizing France's defense capabilities while strengthening international alliances to address security threats beyond conventional military domains.