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Vu chez “Jane’s”:
France and UK prepare for co-operation over aircraft carriers

By Guy Anderson, Editor, Jane’s Defence Industry

A source at the centre of negotiations between France and the UK regarding co-operation on the development of future aircraft carriers for both navies has said he is “convinced” that the governments are poised to enter into a “collaborative programme”.

It is three years since the possibility of using designs for the UK’s Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) programme as the basis for France’s PA2 aircraft carrier was first raised, with a view to shared procurement of equipment to reduce costs.

“I am convinced that this will happen,” a source involved in the negotiations told Jane’s Defence Industry.

He added: “The negotiations have been long, but they have been very positive and I expect a decision to be reached soon.”

His comments came as defence companies, including BAE Systems and Thales, lead contractors in the CVF programme, were reported to be preparing to present a report to the governments on the proposed collaboration. The analysis is expected to look at the risks and benefits of either shared procurement of equipment or joint construction of the ships.

Earlier studies by prime contract office designate MOPA2 (Maìtrise d’Oeuvre Porte Avions No 2) - set up by Thales and DCN in 2004 to manage the PA2 programme at industry level - envisaged a carrier of approximately 60,000 tonnes; comparable in size to the CVF.

The source at the centre of the negotiations said: “It [collaboration] presents a cost-effective solution for France” that “appears to meet our requirements” and “has the added benefit of a positive step in Anglo-French relations.”