May 7, 2024 - Framatome and Naval Group have signed a contract to manufacture the forgings for the two new K22 nuclear boilers of France’s new generation aircraft carrier (PA-NG), scheduled to be commissioned in 2038.
Over a period of five years, Framatome will manufacture these forged parts on its site in Le Creusot (France) and deliver them to Naval Group sites in Nantes-Indret and Cherbourg (France). The Framatome Le Creusot site boasts unique industrial facilities in France for the civil and defense sectors.
“Our activities for the strategic PA-NG program have been strengthened since the visit of the French President to the Framatome Le Creusot site in 2020. This new contract marks a significant milestone for Framatome Defense and demonstrates the confidence placed in us by the DGA, the CEA and Naval Group following the manufacturing of the first parts. Framatome teams are proud to serve this major program for the French Navy, and other defense programs,” says François Billot, Executive Vice President Framatome Offers & Projects and Framatome Defense.
The PA-NG program is led by the French general armament directorate (DGA) along with the military applications division (DAM) of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission Energies (CEA) for the French Navy nuclear boilers.
Overall project management of the aircraft carrier is led by MO Porte-avions, a subsidiary of Naval Group, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique associated with TechnicAtome. TechnicAtome is prime contractor for the French Navy nuclear boilers, and Naval Group is responsible for the manufacture of large components and the assembly of the French Navy nuclear boilers.
Piece coming out of the furnace before forging at the Framatome Le Creusot site