French Navy Chief Dismisses Concerns Over U.S. Catapult Supply for Future Carrier

France's navy chief confirms the U.S. launch system transition won't impact future carrier plans despite President Trump's directive to revert to steam.

Editorial Desk

October 15, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Paris, France — The head of the French Navy stated on Wednesday that the United States has not reached a final decision regarding the potential abandonment of electromagnetic aircraft launch systems. This uncertainty follows a directive issued by President Donald Trump in August, which ordered the U.S. Navy to return to traditional steam-powered catapults due to concerns over the reliability of electromagnetic technology.

Despite the shift in U.S. policy, which has sparked questions regarding the future availability of advanced launch components, the French navy chief expressed confidence that the situation will not jeopardize France’s own carrier development programs. The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has previously indicated that the decision to revert to steam catapults on the future USS Doris Miller will not negatively impact French interests.

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France remains committed to its next-generation aircraft carrier, known as the PANG, which is slated to be a 78,000-tonne nuclear-powered vessel. According to the 2026 draft defense budget, the French Navy intends to acquire a third Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) track to ensure the modernization of its carrier aviation capabilities.

The PANG project, currently managed by Naval Group, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and TechnicAtome, is expected to enter service by 2038. Until that time, the Charles de Gaulle will continue to serve as the primary carrier for the French fleet.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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