During Euronaval 2016, General Atomics and DCNS had discussions about EMALS and AAG for both the future French Navy (Marine Nationale) needs and export prospects of DCNS aircraft carrier design. In addition, we learned that DCNS CEO Hervé Guillou would visit General Atomics in San Diego this summer. During Sea-Air-Space 2017, Rear Admiral Chaineau, in charge of French Navy future programs, was at the head of a delegation which was briefed by General Atomics on EMALS and AAG.



General Atomics excepts the next step will be discussions between the French government and the US government about exportability, but with India getting cleared, export approval should not be an issue for France.



France is in the middle of elections right now, however the two candidates remaining for the second turn, Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, have both voiced their interest in acquiring a second aircraft carrier or aircraft carriers to replace the Charles de Gaulle:



According to La Cordeliere, Emmanuel Macron spoke of the rapid launch of studies on a new aircraft carrier so that it would be ready before Charles de Gaulle decommissioning by 2040. According to her program, Marine Le Pen promises to start building a second aircraft carrier called Richelieu, essential to the permanence at sea of the French carrier strike group.