France's parliament is calling on the government to order a second nuclear-powered aircraft carrier by 2029, alongside the 80,000-ton France Libre, which is due to enter service in 2038. Cost: about 30% cheaper than the first aircraft carrier. Aircraft: Only 12 additional Rafale M fighter jets and 2 A-2D Hawkeyes are needed. Escort: no need for additional warships. A second carrier ensures that France will always have an aircraft carrier available, unlike today's Charles de Gaulle, which is only available about 63 percent of the time.

France's parliament is calling on the government to order a second nuclear-powered aircraft carrier by 2029, alongside the 80,000-ton France Libre, which is due to enter service in 2038. Cost: about 30% cheaper than the first aircraft carrier. Aircraft: Only 12 additional Rafale M fighter jets and 2 A-2D Hawkeyes are needed. Escort: no need for additional warships. A second carrier ensures that France will always have an aircraft carrier available, unlike today's Charles de Gaulle, which is only available about 63 percent of the time.