Europe’s Russia fear exposed: France fast-tracks mega carrier as US steps back, tries to woo Putin

France has unveiled plans to build Europe’s largest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, PANG, a $12 billion warship set to replace the Charles de Gaulle by 2038. Announced by President Emmanuel Macron, the project underscores France’s push for defense sovereignty amid rising geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia and uncertainty over long-term U.S. security commitments to Europe.