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This mid-life refit period is scheduled to last 18 months. Unprecedented in its scope and the number of works to be carried out, it will restore operational potential to the carrier for more than twenty years.
The French Navy's fleet support service, with the DGA (French procurement agency) are in charge of the control of the work while the overall project management was entrusted to DCNS. Its mission is to manage the work to be carried out during this overhaul in coordination with the sailors of Charles de Gaulle, who will contribute greatly.
Beyond the maintenance operations (scheduled checks of installations, refueling of nuclear fuel, etc.), this mid-life refit has a threefold objective:
- To modernize the combat system in order to maintain and increase interoperability with allied navies;
- The transition to a 100% Rafale airwring by optimizing the aviation installations and, finally,
- To modernize the capabilities of the aircraft carrier by renewing and upgrading its platform.
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French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle entering the dry dock for mid-life refit. French Navy picture.