# France Assesses Carrier Life Extension

France is studying whether the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle can remain in service beyond its planned 2038 retirement. Comprehensive reactor and ship-system studies are expected to report in early 2029, and their findings could change the timing and operating concept of the estimated €10 billion France Libre carrier program, which is planned to use U.S.-made electromagnetic catapults.

- The life-extension decision could affect France Libre’s schedule and requirements as the Navy considers how long to operate the existing carrier alongside its successor.
- Shipbuilders and suppliers involved in the carrier program should account for potential changes to program timing and operating assumptions as the study results approach.
- The planned U.S.-made catapults create a cross-border supplier and integration consideration for contractors supporting the new carrier.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- French Navy

### Vendors
- Naval Group (Shipbuilder)

### Sources
- [France mulls keeping Charles de Gaulle carrier sailing after 2038](https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/14/france-mulls-keeping-charles-de-gaulle-carrier-sailing-after-2038) - Defense News