French navy chief sees no threat to US catapult supply for future carrier

Paris, October 14 - The US has yet to decide whether to abandon the electromagnetic launch system for aircraft carriers, according to France’s navy chief, Admiral Christophe Cluzel. This comes two months after President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to return to the older steam-powered catapults, deeming the electromagnetic system unreliable.

The move has raised concerns over the future supply of the technology, crucial for launching jet fighters from naval vessels. However, Admiral Cluzel stated that he does not see his country's contract with the US threatened by this decision. The US Embassy in France declined to comment on the matter. This situation underscores France's reliance on US technology for the vital component of its next-generation aircraft carrier, France Libre.

Scheduled to replace the aging Charles de Gaulle around 2038, the France Libre's design heavily depends on the electromagnetic system. French officials have expressed their readiness to procure a substantial stock of spare parts from the beginning of the program, with Naval Group leading the carrier's construction. Nonetheless, Cluzel also mentioned a planned study to evaluate France's capability to design and manufacture such catapults, along with an examination of potential costs and delivery times. Conclusions are expected in 2028.