Charles de Gaulle - A Profile of the French Nuclear Aircraft Carrier

摘要

Traditional rivalry between France's Marine Nationale and its longstanding competitor, the UK's Royal Navy, will be heightened this year with the completion of the Charles de Gaulle, the French Navy's new nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Europe's most powerful - and expensive - surface warship, the Charles de Gaulle gives France an ability to project power and influence surpassed only by the mighty United States Navy. Meanwhile, it appears that the Royal Navy can only look, awaiting the day when its own pair of 'super 'carriers', promised in the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, finally enter service. However, completion of the French 'carrier has not been altogether straightforward. For example, construction, held back by budgetary and technical problems, has now spread over three decades. Similarly, delays in plans for a sister ship will leave the French Navy dangerously unbalanced during times when the new ship is unavailable.