France names next aircraft carrier "Free France"
Mar 18th 2026
On 18 March 2026 France announced its next aircraft carrier will be called "Free France," a name chosen to honor the World War II Free French movement.
- French authorities announced on 18 March 2026 that the next national aircraft carrier will be named "Free France".
- The name evokes the Free French forces of World War II and the movement led by Charles de Gaulle.
- France 24 published video coverage of the announcement.
- The new name will be used for the upcoming carrier that will succeed France's current naval aviation flagship.
Articles
- ‘Free France’: Macron names next aircraft carrier after WWII resistance www.france24.com
- "France Libre": Emmanuel Macron unveils the name of the future French aircraft carrier that will succeed the Charles de Gaulle in 2038 www.bfmtv.com
- Next French aircraft carrier will be called "Free France" www.france24.com