France Plans Third EMALS Catapult for Future Aircraft Carrier PA-Ng

France is set to acquire a third Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) catapult track for its next-generation aircraft carrier, PA-Ng, according to the 2026 draft defence budget. The addition underscores the French Navy’s ambition to fully modernize its carrier aviation capabilities and expand operational flexibility for manned and unmanned aircraft alike.

The draft budget, released last week, explicitly mentions funding for “the third catapult track and the data-centric upgrade of the Combat Management System (CMS) in its incremental development approach,” reflecting a proposal made by President Emmanuel Macron during his speech on July 13, 2025. In that address, Macron called for a substantial increase in defence spending, citing imminent global threats—particularly from Russia—and declaring, “To be free in this world, we need to be feared.” The budget outlines a planned €3.5 billion increase in 2026, followed by €3 billion in 2027.

While it has long been the French Navy’s desire to operate three EMALS catapults on PA-Ng, sources suggest that the final decision will be “a political one” made at the highest level. The General Atomics-built EMALS and Advanced Arrestor Gear (AAG) systems intended for PA-Ng are being procured under a U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case.

PA-Ng Programme Updates

The PA-Ng programme, approved in December 2020, aims to replace the current Charles de Gaulle carrier by 2038. The Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) and MO Porte-Avions (a joint venture of Naval Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique) have completed the preliminary and system design phases, while TechnicAtome, under the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique, is responsible for the nuclear propulsion plant featuring two K-22 pressurised water reactors.

The latest design of PA-Ng envisions:

• Displacement: 78,000 tonnes

• Length: 310 metres, Beam: 90 metres

• Air Group: 30 combat aircraft plus other fixed-wing and rotary aircraft

• Key Features: Ship-wide electrification, integrated island superstructure, three EMALS tracks, three-wire AAG recovery system, two hangars, and two deck-edge elevators capable of lifting 40 tonnes each

Assembly is scheduled to start at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in St Nazaire in 2032, with final outfitting at Toulon by 2035, followed by sea trials in 2036. In April 2024, the DGA placed €600 million orders for critical path components, including nuclear reactor vessels and secondary steam plant equipment.

EMALS Catapults: Enhancing Carrier Capabilities

The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System represents a significant technological leap over traditional steam catapults. Unlike steam systems that rely on pressurized pistons, EMALS uses linear induction motors to accelerate aircraft along the flight deck. This allows:

• Precise launch control, reducing stress on airframes

• Higher maximum take-off weight, enabling heavier payloads

• Rapid adaptation for multiple aircraft types, including manned fighters and UCAVs

• Lower maintenance requirements compared to steam catapults

The EMALS system is paired with a three-wire Advanced Arrestor Gear (AAG), which provides controlled deceleration for landing aircraft. Together, these systems dramatically increase sortie rates and operational efficiency, particularly for heavy or next-generation aircraft such as the Rafale and unmanned combat aerial vehicles.

Speaking at the Navy Leaders CNE 2025 event in Farnborough, Captain Thibault Lavernhe, Marine Nationale programme officer, noted:

“We have recently started a campaign at Lakehurst in the U.S. to test the compatibility between Rafale aircraft and the American launch and recovery equipment. This is a big step forward and will allow several tonnes more maximum take-off weight than on Charles de Gaulle.”

He added that the two forward EMALS tracks are specifically designed to operate UCAVs alongside manned aircraft, which require different launch procedures, ensuring PA-Ng is future-proofed for next-generation carrier aviation.

Infrastructure and Build Timeline

Preparatory work for PA-Ng’s docking and construction infrastructure began in 2025, with studies covering civil engineering, dredging, and dry dock construction. The 2026 budget will continue funding these initiatives, enabling seamless integration of the EMALS and AAG systems during the carrier’s construction phase.

With the addition of a third EMALS track, PA-Ng is positioned to deliver unprecedented operational flexibility for the French Navy, supporting a range of modern aircraft, from heavy fighters to autonomous drones, while demonstrating France’s commitment to maintaining global maritime influence.