The carrier's self-defence fit is linked to concern that enough escorts will not always be available. Sylver launchers come in different lengths, comparable in principle to the length options for the American Mk 41 vertical-launch system. The shorter A43 cells suit short-range missiles, and Charles de Gaulle is described with 32 Aster 15 missiles. Choosing a longer launcher would allow larger missiles as well as shorter ones. The original eight 20 mm cannon were replaced in 2019 by three remotely operated Nexter Narwhal systems, giving the ship its own gun defences alongside the missile battery.
Notable Point · 33:55-35:36
Launcher depth and Charles de Gaulle's own air defence
Uncertain escort availability helps explain the carrier's own missile and gun defences, while Sylver launcher length limits the missiles those cells can accept.