Mid-life refit of the French Navy’s FS Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Credit: Naval Group.

The French Navy has received the upgraded and modified nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle after completion of its €1.3bn mid-life refit.

The aircraft carrier was delivered by Naval Group, the prime contractor for the entire refit programme, following the recertification of its systems.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Carried over 18 months, the refurbishment of the Charles de Gaulle carrier was to ensure increased operational performance levels of the vessel for the next 25 years.

This success is the fruit of a collective effort

Naval Group senior vice-president services Nathalie Smirnov said: “This success is the fruit of a collective effort made possible by the commitment of the aircraft carrier’s crew, Naval Group’s teams, those of the defence sector’s major original equipment manufacturers such as TechnicAtome, Thales or Safran, the generalist companies and the SMEs originating mainly from the local and regional industrial fabric.”

“This success is the fruit of a collective effort.”

The upgraded included the modification of the vessel’s combat system, the integration of new digital networks, replacement of air search and navigation radars, renovation of telecommunications systems, and a complete replacement of the control room.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In addition, Naval Group carried out through-life support work on the carrier which included the maintenance of major installations, inspection of the two nuclear reactors and the replacement of their fuel elements.

The company also conducted maintenance work of the electrical power plant and the propulsion system; inspection of the catapults, shaft lines and stabilising fins; and the painting of the underwater hull and topsides.