A shore base could be cheaper in a predictable theatre, but it was fixed in place and access might disappear during a crisis. A carrier directed more of its procurement spending through the home economy and could move between theatres. An overseas base also bound France to colonial rule or an ally whose government might withhold access or create domestic political costs. The comparison depended on geography, alliance reliability, and politics as well as construction expense.
Notable Point · 5:12-8:07
Carrier versus air base: more than a cost comparison
The French debate over bases and carriers weighed mobility, domestic spending, colonial control, and the political reliability of allies.