Second carrier put on hold

Plans to build a second nuclear-powered aircraft carrier may be put on hold because of a lack of funds, defence minister Hervé Morin has said.

The Charles de Gaulle (pictured) is the only serving French aircraft carrier and the country’s first nuclear-powered surface vessel.

Mr Morin said: “It is clear that the budgetary situation concerning the equipment of our forces makes the construction of a second aircraft carrier difficult.

"It's a decision that we will have to take in the coming weeks," he said, adding: "The president of the republic will decide."

Sarkozy had mooted the building of a second French aircraft carrier as early as February last year when he was campaigning for the presidency.

It could be built with British cooperation and is likely to cost €3.5 billion, according to recent French parliamentary estimate.

Photo: www.netmarine.net.