Macron visits UAE, unveils plan for $12 billion French aircraft carrier

ABU DHABI -

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday used his visit to the United Arab Emirates to both celebrate the holiday season with deployed troops and underscore the growing strategic partnership between France and the Gulf state, unveiling plans for a new $12 billion aircraft carrier.

The vessel, known as the New Generation Aircraft Carrier (PANG), will replace France’s ageing Charles de Gaulle by 2038. At 310 metres long and 85 metres wide, the carrier will house 30 fighter jets and 2,000 crew members, making it the largest warship ever built in Europe. Macron said the project, which began with work on nuclear propulsion components last year, will support France’s industrial base, particularly small and medium-sized businesses.

Speaking at a French military base near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Macron emphasised the carrier’s role in France’s maritime defence and in projecting stability in regions of strategic importance, including the Gulf.

During the visit, Macron met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Zayed National Museum to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations. Topics ranged from security and defence cooperation to economic and cultural partnerships, with a particular focus on advanced technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and sustainability.

The visit also coincided with the UAE’s ongoing modernisation of its armed forces. Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi received the first batch of Dassault Rafale fighter jets under a Dh63.56 billion ($17.3 billion) deal with France. The 80 jets, produced by Dassault Aviation, are replacing the UAE’s Mirage fleet and represent a major boost to its air capabilities.

The aircraft carrier announcement reflects not only France’s ambitions to maintain its global maritime influence, but also the importance of the UAE as a defence partner in a volatile region. With the Gulf state’s strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz, and its longstanding procurement of French military hardware, Paris sees Abu Dhabi as a key ally in regional security and defence cooperation.

Macron’s visit highlights the deepening Franco-Emirati ties, combining military collaboration, economic investment and technological partnership, while reinforcing France’s role as a security partner in the Gulf.