France's PANG and the price of strategic autonomy

France's approach is to build one carrier and make it as capable as its political limits allow. Access to a larger dock removes a constraint that restricted Charles de Gaulle's construction, and the proposed carrier could require an increase in the French naval aviation arm to provide enough aircraft. Overseas French departments give the country commitments around the world, while national status and strategic autonomy also support the carrier programme. French and British carrier forces nevertheless cooperate closely with the American carrier training system. British use of American training areas illustrates how allied facilities help work up a carrier group. Comparable facilities on the European side of the Atlantic are discussed as a possible future way to support NATO and American forces.