Fire Breaks Out Aboard France's Only Nuclear Aircraft Carrier

The Figaro newspaper reported, citing the regional maritime command of the Mediterranean area, that a fire broke out aboard "Charles de Gaulle," France's only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

The newspaper noted that the fire started while the ship was docked at France's main military port, the naval base of Toulon, for maintenance work.

The regional maritime command stated that the flames were extinguished, without mentioning any injuries or material losses during the incident.

Last July, the vessel (the aircraft carrier) returned to its home base in Toulon after being deployed in the Middle East.

The newspaper added: "The fire broke out on Monday, October 5, aboard the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle following gas cutting operations."

The French aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" entered service in 2001, measures 261.5 meters in length and has a displacement of up to 42,500 tons, accommodating a crew of approximately 1,950 personnel. It features a nuclear propulsion system via two reactors, granting it unlimited sailing range and a speed of 27 knots. It can carry up to 40 aircraft, most notably Rafale M fighters and Hawkeye early warning planes. The ship boasts a defensive and combat system including a battle management system tracking 2,000 targets simultaneously, protected by Aster-15 and Mistral missiles to counter all aerial and missile threats at sea.