The Nuclear Exception: Why France’s Charles de Gaulle is a Global Strategic Heavyweight
You already know that the United States dominates the seas with its nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, such as the Nimitz-class and the new Gerald R. Ford-class supercarriers. But there is one country with a nuclear-powered carrier you may not have considered lately. France boasts the FS Charles de Gaulle (R91), a powerful symbol of the country’s military prestige.
This behemoth is always ready for patrolling and can be deployed in hot spots around the world. Dassault Rafale-Ms adorn its decks and can bring the fight to the enemy when needed to project France’s naval power and deter enemies by flying the flag with gusto in oceans far from shore.
One Majestic Ship That Brings a Big Stick to a Fight
The Charles de Gaulle is the jewel of the crown for the French Navy. It is now leading a strike group that is sailing to the Mediterranean Sea after the war in Iran broke out. This deployment shows that the French navy is the most dominant in Europe and has even eclipsed the once-vaunted British Royal Navy in the ability to sail in different regions where warfare is rearing its head.
This Is a Presidential Asset
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the voyage to the Middle East during a speech earlier this month. “I have ordered the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, its air assets, and its escort of frigates to set course for the Mediterranean,” he said, as noted by EuroNews.
(Jan. 3, 2014) The Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550), front, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and the French navy aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R 91), conduct operations in the Gulf of Oman. Harry S. Truman, flagship for the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, is conducting operations with Task Force 473 to enhance levels of cooperation and interoperability, enhance mutual maritime capabilities and promote long-term regional stability in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ethan M. Schumacher/Released)
Time to Hustle to the Middle East
The carrier had been patrolling the North and Baltic Seas during the NATO exercise Mission Lafayette 26. For a carrier strike group to be redeployed, it takes the utmost in naval planning and execution. The de Gaulle may have to be replenished at sea, but the new orders to redeploy are being carried out with gusto. This is a feather in the cap of the French Navy, which is one of the most underrated maritime forces in the world. The French carrier strike group should be in the Middle East by the end of the month.
Rafale-Ms Are Effective When Launching from the Carrier
The Charles de Gaulle does not have a large contingent of aircraft, but the aviators have extensive experience flying the 20 Rafale fighter jets. For better aerial combat control, there are two E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. This allows the French to command an aerial battle and coordinate the aircraft deployed at any given time. This means that the fighters can fly far into friendly airspace to protect the carrier strike group and bring the fight to the enemy.
French Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Quick Specs About the Carrier
The de Gaulle displaces 42,500 tons and is 856 feet long with a beam of 211 feet. Its propulsion system comprises two Areva K15 nuclear reactors, capable of reaching a top speed of 27 knots. These also power the French Le Triomphant-class submarines. So, France has extensive experience with nuclear power on land and underwater.
Rafale-Ms Are Heavily Armed
The carrier deploys “Rafale M aircraft that can carry SCALP air-to-ground missiles with ranges exceeding 500 kilometers, AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, and laser or GPS-guided bombs. In air superiority configuration, the aircraft carries Meteor air-to-air missiles,” EuroNews wrote.
The “CDG” replaced the Foch, which was a conventionally powered aircraft carrier. The CDG was originally designed in the 1980s to make it a historic Cold War stalwart. It was launched in 1994 and was the biggest ship produced by NATO in the modern era.
The Aircraft Carrier Can Enter Into Self-Defense Mode Too
“The CDG is equipped with numerous defensive armaments, including four eight-cell A-43 Sylver launchers that carry the MBDA Aster 15 surface-to-air missile. Two 6-cell Sadral launchers carrying Mistral short-range missiles.
The carrier has 20mm autocannons for close-in air defense. Eight Giat 20F2 20 mm cannons original armament, and three Nexter Narwhal [since 2019],” as my colleague Steve Balestrieri described in an analysis for 19FortyFive.
The CDG’s Combat History
Last year, the de Gaulle transited to East Asia during a deployment that demonstrated the carrier’s global reach and its ability to conduct a mission that showcased its capabilities to the Chinese. The carrier also demonstrated interoperability with the Japanese and Americans as the CDG conducted numerous demonstrations of its flight deck aviation prowess.
Participating in the Fight Against ISIS
In 2022, the CDG was also busy during a combat deployment to the Middle East to challenge the ISIS terrorists as a part of Operation Inherent Resolve. Its fighter jets delivered numerous ground strikes against the militants. There was also another CDG combat effort against ISIS in 2015 and 2016.
Facing Down the Libyans During the NATO Operation
In 2011, the carrier was busy enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya during the NATO operation against that country. French pilots flew numerous sorties, demonstrating they could conduct missions in a heavily trafficked part of the world at the time.
Fighting for Nine Years Against Terrorists in Afghanistan
For nine years after 9/11, the CDG was heavily invested in the international coalition to fight al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. Its fighter jets dropped numerous bombs and launched effective missile fire for the elimination of enemy ammunition supply points and to create air support for NATO fighters on the ground.
The French Should Be Proud
The only nuclear-powered carrier outside the United States is a key allied asset. France is currently sending its strike group to the Middle East, which shows it could play a role in keeping the vital chokepoint in the Strait of Hormuz open for business.
The CDG has enjoyed an excellent combat record, and the French sailors and aviators on board are highly proficient at flight deck operations in both peace and war. Look for the CDG to carry the French flag around the world for several more years.
It will not disappoint French political leadership and the general public, who are glad that the carrier can still bring naval might to some of the most consequential geopolitical challenges.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Author of now over 3,000 articles on defense issues, Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
