France's navy chief, Admiral Christophe Cluzel, said on Wednesday that the US has not yet finalized its decision on whether to abandon electromagnetic launch systems for aircraft carriers, a technology France has chosen for its next-generation carrier, the France Libre. This statement comes two months after President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to revert to older steam-powered catapults, citing unreliability.
Cluzel told a parliamentary hearing that he does not see France's contract for the technology as threatened. The France Libre is slated to replace the aging Charles de Gaulle around 2038. The situation highlights concerns about European reliance on US defense technology as the continent pursues greater strategic autonomy.
Admiral Cluzel mentioned a meeting scheduled with his American counterpart for the following week, where the topic is expected to be discussed. He acknowledged the dependency on US technology but stated it was considered under control within the program's framework. France intends to purchase a significant stock of spare parts at the program's outset. Naval Group is overseeing the carrier's construction.
Additionally, Cluzel noted that a study is planned to assess France's capability to design such catapults, including potential costs and delivery timelines. The findings are anticipated in 2028. He suggested that while France could develop its own catapults, it would likely be beyond the France Libre's service entry date and at a considerably higher unit cost.