Europe

Macron Names Next Flagship Aircraft Carrier ‘Free France’

Emmanuel Macron looks at the model of a ship named “France Libre” during a visit to Naval Group Nantes-Indret, on March 18.Photographer: Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

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By Kavita Mokha

March 18, 2026 at 4:49 PM UTC

President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday named the nation’s next aircraft carrier “Free France,” in a homage to the World War II resistance movement as the nuclear power moves to bolster its naval capabilities.

“Free France” refers to the forces led by General Charles de Gaulle during the war and has since become shorthand for sovereignty and military independence — themes Macron has increasingly emphasized in his push for strategic autonomy.