France is moving forward with plans to equip its next-generation aircraft carrier (PANG) with a third Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) catapult. The decision marks a significant shift in design philosophy and operational ambition as the French Navy prepares for the post-Charles de Gaulle era. The addition of a third catapult is expected to increase sortie rates and improve launch flexibility across a wider range of manned and unmanned aerial platforms.
Third Catapult Signals Enhanced Operational Ambitions
The procurement of a third EMALS track—beyond the two originally planned—indicates France’s intent to maximize the combat potential of its future flagship. According to Naval News and corroborated by industry sources, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS), the U.S. manufacturer of EMALS, has been notified by French authorities of their intent to order a third unit.
The EMALS system uses linear induction motors instead of steam pistons to launch aircraft from carrier decks. This allows for smoother acceleration profiles, reduced stress on airframes, and compatibility with lighter or more delicate UAVs and future aircraft types. The U.S. Navy’s Ford-class carriers already deploy four EMALS tracks per ship; France’s decision to install three on PANG places it closer in capability to these American supercarriers.
PANG Program Overview: France’s Next-Gen Carrier
The Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération (PANG) is France’s planned nuclear-powered aircraft carrier set to replace the Charles de Gaulle around 2038–2040. The vessel will displace approximately 75,000 tonnes—significantly larger than its predecessor—and will be powered by two K22 nuclear reactors developed by TechnicAtome and Naval Group.
PANG will feature a CATOBAR configuration (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery), enabling it to launch heavier fixed-wing aircraft such as the Rafale M and future New Generation Fighter (NGF) jets under development within the FCAS program. The integration of EMALS aligns with this design philosophy while also supporting operations involving UAVs like the SCAF Remote Carriers or other navalized drones.
- Displacement: ~75,000 tonnes
- Propulsion: Two K22 pressurized water reactors
- Length: ~300 meters
- Aircraft complement: Estimated at up to 32 NGF/Rafale M + UAVs
- Commissioning target: Late 2030s
Why Three Catapults? Strategic and Tactical Rationale
The addition of a third catapult provides several operational advantages:
- Higher sortie generation rate: More simultaneous launches reduce cycle time during high-tempo operations.
- Redundancy in combat conditions: If one catapult fails or is damaged in combat, two others remain operational.
- Diversified launch capability: Allows simultaneous operation of manned fighters and UAVs without bottlenecks.
- Smoother deck operations: Reduces congestion during launch/recovery cycles.
This move also reflects lessons learned from U.S. Navy experience aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which demonstrated that multiple EMALS tracks are critical not just for peak performance but also for system resilience during extended deployments or combat scenarios.
A Franco-American Industrial Collaboration
The selection of General Atomics’ EMALS over potential European alternatives underscores both technical maturity and strategic alignment with NATO standards. GA-EMS has already delivered systems for four Ford-class carriers and has been working closely with French defense stakeholders since at least early design phases of PANG in the late 2010s.
This cooperation includes technology transfer agreements, integration support with Naval Group shipyards at Saint-Nazaire, and adaptation of power interfaces compatible with French nuclear propulsion systems. In parallel, Thales is expected to supply key components such as arresting gear control systems and deck avionics integration modules.
Toward a Drone-Friendly Deck: Preparing for Unmanned Naval Aviation
A major driver behind France’s move toward three EMALS tracks is the anticipated proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in naval aviation roles by the late 2030s. These platforms may include ISR drones launched from carriers as well as armed UCAVs operating alongside manned fighters under FCAS doctrine.
The smoother acceleration profiles offered by EMALS are particularly beneficial for UAV airframes that lack robust landing gear or structural reinforcement typical in manned jets designed for steam catapults. Additionally, having multiple launch points allows operators greater flexibility in sequencing different types of missions—ISR sweeps followed immediately by strike packages or EW sorties without reconfiguring deck layouts extensively.
PANG Timeline and Procurement Milestones
The PANG program officially entered its preliminary design phase in March 2021 under Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) supervision. Key milestones include:
- 2025–2026: Finalization of detailed engineering designs; long-lead item procurement begins
- 2027–2028: Start of hull construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard
- 2035–2036: Initial sea trials including EMALS testing phase
- Certain IOC target date: Circa late-2038 or early-2039 depending on test outcomes
NATO Interoperability Considerations
PANG’s CATOBAR configuration using U.S.-standard launch systems ensures full interoperability with allied carrier-based assets including U.S., UK, or Italian F-35B/C squadrons if required under joint task force operations. While France does not currently operate F-35 variants itself due to industrial sovereignty concerns tied to Rafale/FCAS programs, maintaining compatibility remains strategically prudent given NATO maritime doctrines emphasizing coalition naval air power projection.
