France advances in new generation aircraft carrier development with a key contract

The “pre-DLR” market marks a strategic phase running parallel to the ongoing preliminary design studies. It specifically targets the development and long-lead manufacturing aspects of the nuclear reactors, laying the groundwork ahead of the final decision to commence full-scale production of the PA-NG.

The project will prominently feature two Naval Group sites: Cherbourg will handle the containment structures, while Nantes-Indret will focus on the primary capabilities of the reactor rooms. Simultaneously, TechnicAtome is set to host the first prototypes of the reactor equipment at its Cadarache site. Both companies will modernize their industrial infrastructures and production capabilities to meet the high standards required by this ambitious program.

The new generation aircraft carrier project demands a bespoke organizational framework, with a collaboration involving Naval Group, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, MO Porte-avions, and TechnicAtome. This initiative relies on pooling together a diverse range of skills and expertise.

Over 200 professions and areas of expertise are being mobilized to tackle the technological challenges posed by the PA-NG, supporting an extensive network of subcontractors and partners. Key industry players such as Framatome, Aubert et Duval, and Industeel are involved, highlighting the project’s extensive impact on the national industrial landscape.