The PA-NG, a new nuclear aircraft carrier for France

Emmanuel Macron has confirmed the launch of construction of France's future aircraft carrier, which is set to replace the Charles-de-Gaulle. The announcement was made during the traditional Christmas celebration with French troops, held this year in the United Arab Emirates. The new vessel, known as PANG in military jargon, is due to enter service in 2038, following a project that began in 2018.

With nuclear propulsion, the future aircraft carrier will be unprecedented in size for the French navy. More than 80,000 tonnes, nearly 310 metres long, with a crew of 2,000 sailors. It will be able to carry around 30 combat aircraft, aerial surveillance aircraft and several types of drones. It will also be designed to integrate energy-intensive electronic warfare systems, powerful radars, jammers and, eventually, laser-type directed energy weapons.

The total cost of the programme is estimated at €10.2 billion. Construction is based on an industrial organisation structured around a joint venture between Naval Group and Chantiers de l'Atlantique for the ship, while TechnicAtome is responsible for the nuclear power plants. Around 800 companies are involved in this long-term project, which the French government has described as strategic for French industrial and military sovereignty.

Technologically, the PANG will mark a break with the Charles-de-Gaulle. It will be equipped with American-designed electromagnetic catapults, replacing the steam system currently in service. This choice aims to facilitate the use of heavier aircraft and drones, while enhancing compatibility with allied navy standards.

In his speech, Emmanuel Macron justified this decision by citing the increasingly hostile international environment. "In this age of predators, we must be strong to be feared," he said, emphasising the need for France to maintain an autonomous naval aviation projection capability. France remains the only European country to master nuclear propulsion for aircraft carriers, an asset presented as crucial for operating over long distances without relying on refuelling vessels. With the PANG, it will have the largest ship in Europe, all navies combined. Le Monde

AD

If you spend a good amount on Amazon, this card could easily be worth $100s in cash back every year. And — even better — you could get approved extremely fast. If approved, you’ll receive an insanely valuable welcome bonus deposited straight into your Amazon account, ready to use immediately.

You also don’t have to jump through any hoops to get this bonus. No extra work or special spending requirements. Get approved, and it’s yours.

This might be one of the most powerful cash back cards available, especially considering how much most people spend on Amazon each month. It gives you the chance to earn cash back on the purchases you’re already making, turning your routine shopping into something that actually pays you back.

If you shop at Amazon or Whole Foods, this card could help you earn meaningful cash back on every purchase you make. But this offer won’t last forever — and if you’re an Amazon Prime member, this card is as close to a no-brainer as it gets.

Amazon Prime members: See what you could get, no strings attached

Learn How To Apply

To support us and read without ads, join Athera + (less than 0,17€ a day).

IN SHORT
🇱🇧 Lebanon • Three people were killed yesterday in an Israeli strike near the southern city of Saida, according to the official Lebanese news agency. An Israeli drone targeted a car, killing its three occupants. The Israeli army claims to have struck members of Hezbollah. Despite the ceasefire in effect since 27 November 2024, Israeli strikes continue in Lebanon. More than 340 people have been killed since the agreement, according to figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

🇰🇭 Cambodia – 🇹🇭 Thailand • Cambodia accuses Thailand of carrying out air strikes yesterday near the temples of Angkor. The Ministry of Defence reports the use of F-16 fighter jets against areas in the provinces of Siem Reap and Preah Vihear. Phnom Penh claims that a Chinese civilian was wounded by artillery fire. The fighting has left at least 43 people dead since the clashes resumed and displaced more than 900,000 people. Despite these accusations, direct talks are scheduled for tomorrow in Chanthaburi, under the regional auspices of ASEAN.

🇮🇱 Israel • Israeli authorities have approved the creation of 19 new illegal settlements in the West Bank. This decision brings the total number of settlements approved in the last three years to 69. The Israeli government's stated goal is to prevent the emergence of a Palestinian state. Five projects concern existing outposts that were previously unauthorised. More than 500,000 Israelis live in the West Bank, among approximately 3 million Palestinians. The UN considers these settlements illegal and has warned of an intensification of settler violence since 7 October 2023.

🇬🇱 Greenland – 🇩🇰 Denmark – 🇺🇸 United States • Donald Trump's appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to make Greenland part of the United States has provoked a strong reaction in Nuuk and Copenhagen. The Greenlandic and Danish authorities reaffirm that the territory belongs to the Greenlanders and that any annexation is out of the question under international law. Washington cites national security and the island's mineral resources. Denmark has summoned the American ambassador, and various heads of state and government as well as European institutions have expressed their support for Greenland.

🇷🇺 Russia • A lieutenant general in the Russian General Staff, Fanil Sarvarov, was killed yesterday in a car explosion in southern Moscow, according to the Russian Investigative Committee. An explosive device had been placed under the vehicle, and an investigation into murder and explosives trafficking has been opened. The authorities are considering several leads, including the possible involvement of Ukrainian services. The 56-year-old general held a key position in operational training and had fought in Chechnya, Syria and Ukraine since 2022.

🇳🇿 New Zealand – 🇮🇳 India • New Zealand has finalised a free trade agreement with India, according to local media citing unidentified officials. The agreement follows a recent visit by Trade Minister Todd McClay to India and is a priority for Christopher Luxon's government. Negotiations were complex, with India maintaining a hard line on agricultural tariffs, particularly on dairy products. The partnership also covers services, investment, and student and professional mobility.

🇪🇺 European Union – 🇨🇳 China • The European Union has condemned the tariffs announced by China on European dairy products. Beijing plans to impose provisional tariffs of between 21.9% and 42.7%, applicable as of today, targeting cheese and certain types of milk and cream in particular. The European Commission considers China's anti-subsidy investigation to be unfounded, based on insufficient evidence. Brussels says it wants to convince China to abandon these measures, which could become permanent in February. The EU denounces this as a very negative development for bilateral relations and points out that it has referred the matter to the World Trade Organisation.

Africa • Airtel Africa has announced a partnership with Starlink to connect mobile phones directly to satellites, bypassing terrestrial infrastructure. The service is set to launch in early 2026 in the fourteen countries where the operator is present, from Burkina Faso to Kenya, Niger, Chad and the two Congos. The aim is to improve coverage in areas without service. However, the offer remains limited, with specific subscriptions and compatible phones, targeting mainly professionals operating in isolated regions.

🇺🇸 United States • Donald Trump announced yesterday the construction of a new generation of warships for the US Navy, dubbed "Trump-class". During a wide-ranging press conference, he also threatened Venezuela again, mentioned the annexation of Greenland and the price of medicines. A few hours ago, the US Department of Justice published the latest developments in the Epstein case (named after the repeat paedophile, close to powerful figures, who died in his cell in 2019): Donald Trump features prominently in it.

AD

ChatGPT is transforming productivity, but most teams miss its true potential. Subscribe to Mindstream for free and access 5 expert-built resources packed with prompts, workflows, and practical strategies for 2025.

Whether you're crafting content, managing projects, or automating work, this kit helps you save time and get better results every week.

Get Your Free Resource Kit

Athera +, you can terminate it anytime and it’s without ads !