France's armed forces minister has said that the country's government is set to decide on the replacement of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle at the start of 2020.
The new vessel is expected to be able to incorporate technological advances from 2030 onwards as well as launch and recover a planned new fighter jet to be jointly developed by France and Germany.
Mr Florence Parly has also stated that his ministry recently began a study phase that will assess the size requirements, propulsion options, and aircraft-launching capabilities.
Charles de Gaulle, which has just completed an 18-month mid-life upgrade, has been in service since 2001.
