A picture taken off Toulon shows the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle", after the completion of its 18 month-long renovation, France, November 8, 2018. Christophe Simon/Pool via REUTERS
Reuters: After 1.3 billion euro makeover, French aircraft carrier returns to sea
ABOARD AIRCRAFT CARRIER CHARLES DE GAULLE (Reuters) - Dressed in a khaki uniform and helmet, a pilot jumps into a Rafale fighter jet under the watchful gaze of France’s armed forces minister, Florence Parly, as the deck of the Charles de Gaulle carrier prepares for its first activity in 18 months.
Europe’s only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the 260-metre-long (850-ft) vessel, which carries 1,700 personnel and whose tonnage is equal to four Eiffel Towers, is due to be deployed in early February in the Indian Ocean, according to military sources.
Its mid-life upgrade, costing 1.3 billion euros, largely focused on modernizing facilities for landing and guiding aircraft. That came after heavy use given the retirement of Britain’s carrier and intense operations between 2015-2016 in the fight against Islamic State militants.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The French are already making plans to have a new aircraft carrier .... France begins deliberations on new aircraft carrier (Reuters)
