At Euronaval 2026 in Paris, two models of France’s next-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, France…
Armed Conflict · · Paris, France
At Euronaval 2026 in Paris, two models of France’s next-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, France Libre (PANG), were displayed.
[Image 1] shows the model at the French Ministry of the Armed Forces’ stand, while [Image 2] shows the model displayed by Naval Group. For clarity, they will be referred to as Model 1 and Model 2, respectively.
Model 1 retains the appearance of the earlier 2022 conceptual design, whereas Model 2 represents the more mature, finalised configuration. Several notable differences can be observed between them.
The island on Model 2 is lower but wider. The arrangement of the Sea Fire radar antenna panels has also changed: three panels are now positioned at the rear of the island, with only one facing forward.
The number of protruding platforms on the hull, intended to accommodate defensive weapons and sensors, has been reduced on Model 2, and their shapes are more compact. Some have also been raised to approximately flight-deck level.
The personnel walkways along both sides of the forward flight deck have changed from bulwarks on Model 1 to railings on Model 2.
The self-defence weapon fit has also been revised. The 40mm RAPIDFire Naval cannon and twin-launcher SIMBAD-RC Mistral air-defence missile systems shown on the earlier model have been replaced by Bofors 40 Mk4 gun mounts from Sweden's Bofors and the Rampart multi-purpose close-in weapon system (CIWS).
The arrangement of the Sylver vertical launch systems has changed as well. Model 1 features three eight-cell Sylver VLS modules, with one on the starboard side and two on the port side. On Model 2, all three modules are concentrated on the port side: two are located on the midships protruding platform, while the third is positioned further aft.
These differences illustrate how the PANG design has evolved from its earlier conceptual form, with further refinements to the island, sensor layout, defensive weapons and overall use of deck and hull space.
Source: @笑脸男人