Second French aircraft carrier: Thales and DCN ready for launch of design phase

Thales and DCN warmly welcome the 25 January announcement by the French defence minister, Michèle Alliot-Marie, concerning the launch of the design phase for France\'s second aircraft carrier (PA2).
This important step marks the end of the preparatory study phase, in which Thales and DCN have been closely involved.
The current studies, which began in June 2004 and will be completed this summer, include risk reduction studies and an evaluation of opportunities for cooperation between the British and French aircraft carrier programmes. Once these studies have been completed, the final design definition phase will begin.
In June 2004, Thales and DCN announced their decision to combine their strengths and set up an integrated Prime Contract Office to jointly lead the future French aircraft carrier programme. A jointly owned company will assume the role of prime contractor on this programme. This company will have a four-member board of directors, with equal representation by Thales and DCN, chaired by a DCN nominee.
This company, which is currently being set up, will lead the PA2 programme from conception to completion and support implementation of cooperation with the United Kingdom\'s future aircraft carrier programme.
The new joint company will be 65% owned by DCN and 35% owned by Thales Naval France.

About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace, security and services markets worldwide. The Group employs 62,000 people throughout the world and generated revenues of 10.6 billion euros in 2003.
About DCN
DCN - a world leader in prime contracting for fully-integrated warships - offers a vast range of high-performance products and added-value services. As a designer, builder and integrator of state-of-the-art warships, DCN offers capabilities spanning all aspects of naval defence, from design concept to through-life support and decommissioning.

Press contacts :
Thales - Matt Pothecary - Tel: 01 57 77 86 26
DCN - Fanny Joseph - Tel : 01 40 59 50 34