Macron announced plans for a 12 billion dollar warship while speaking to personnel at Camp de la Paix.
Placing the announcement in Abu Dhabi brings the vessel close to the Strait of Hormuz, where one-fifth of global petroleum flows pass through daily. The investment secures European naval capacity in a region where energy security remains a priority.
Naval Specifications and Technology
The 78,000-tonne vessel will use nuclear power to navigate waters currently patrolled by larger global fleets. France integrated electromagnetic catapults from General Atomics to meet production schedules.
Using American technology allows for the carriage of diverse aircraft, including drones and surveillance planes, avoiding the delays of internal research programmes. The vessel reaches 310 metres in length and will eventually replace the Charles de Gaulle.
Industrial and Economic Impact
Construction involves 800 suppliers, largely small and medium enterprises across Saint-Nazaire and specialised workshops. The programme ensures shipyard expertise remains active until the 2038 commissioning date.
Macron plans to visit construction sites to oversee progress and verify the industrial timeline remains on track. Assembly begins between 2031 and 2034 at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with sea trials occurring around 2036.
Regional Partnerships and Trade
The Emirates provides basing infrastructure supporting French projection across the Gulf. A partnership solidified by contracts for Rafale jets allows France to lead maritime awareness missions independently.
Since 82% of oil through Hormuz goes to Asian markets, protecting shipping lanes serves broad economic requirements. Gulf partners receive French equipment that supports French industry while providing needed basing for regional security.
Shifting Strategic Realities
France now builds partnerships based on mutual interests. Europe maintains a permanent presence near a main maritime bottleneck, recognizing that interests extend outside continental borders. Commercial needs require capabilities to protect shipping lanes connecting European consumers with Asian manufacturers and Gulf energy.
The statement in Abu Dhabi shows that Europe can deploy resources to protect commercial arteries.
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