Arabelle Solutions (a subsidiary of the EDF Group) has been selected by Naval Group to provide the propulsion turbines for France’s future nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, recently named the France Libre. The carrier is the successor to the Charles de Gaulle and is scheduled to enter service in 2038. Reclaiming the “Arabelle” technology (formerly Alstom/GE) as a purely French asset for national defense is of strategic importance.
Arabelle Solutions, a global leader in steam turbine technology for nuclear power plants and naval propulsion systems, has been selected by Naval Group to provide the turbines for the nuclear propulsion system of the future French aircraft carrier (PANG), recently named France Libre by French president Emmanuel Macron.
Building on its experience with the Charles de Gaulle, the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in Europe, Arabelle Solutions will design and manufacture:
These critical components will be delivered by 2030 to ensure the carrier meets its scheduled sea trials and its commissioning date in 2038.
Sovereignty and Industrial Excellence
The equipment will be manufactured at Arabelle Solutions’ historic industrial sites in Belfort and La Courneuve. This contract reinforces France’s strategic autonomy and industrial sovereignty in the field of high-power naval nuclear propulsion.
“Designing, manufacturing, and maintaining cutting-edge nuclear propulsion technology for the French Navy is a source of immense pride for our teams. This selection is a direct contribution to strengthening French technological sovereignty and honors our long-standing partnership with Naval Group and the Ministry of the Armed Forces.”
Catherine Cornand, CEO of Arabelle SolutionsAbout the future aircraft carrier France Libre
The France Libre will be significantly larger than its predecessor, the Charles de Gaulle. It will measure 310 meters in length and displace approximately 80,000 tons at full load. Powered by two K22 nuclear reactors, it is designed to operate for the next 40 to 50 years, integrating the latest digital technologies and the future new generation fighter (NGF) jets as well as unmanned aircraft. Check out our interview with the PANG program officer at this link.
About Arabelle Solutions
A subsidiary of the EDF Group since its acquisition from General Electric in 2024, Arabelle Solutions provides and maintains steam turbines and generators for a third of the world’s nuclear power plants. The company is a key player in the French “Nuclear Renaissance,” supporting both the EPR2 reactor program and strategic defense projects.
