FRENCH shipbuilding firms are working with their British counterparts on plans to co- operate on a new generation of aircraft carriers.

Jean-Marie Poimboeuf, chief executive of DCN, the state-owned naval systems group, said a report on a joint industrial strategy to build three carriers would go to the two governments at the end of the month.

Poimboeuf was speaking ahead of DSEI, the defence exhibition in London’s Docklands, which starts in 10 days’ time. Unofficial talks between the companies involved, which include BAE Systems, VT Group, Thales and DCN, are expected to take place at the show.

The Ministry of Defence plans to build two new carriers for the Royal Navy at a cost of about £3.6 billion. They are scheduled to enter service in 2012 and 2015. The French want one new carrier to supplement the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle.

DCN and Thales have created a joint venture — called MOPA2 — to build the new vessel. Poimboeuf said it had been asked to study the British aircraft-carrier design to see if it would suit French requirements.

“Our conclusion is that the British design is compatible with the operational needs of the French navy.

“If the French government chooses the design, we will use it, and just do some small changes,” he said.

The two governments have now asked the companies involved in both programmes to draw up a joint industrial plan for the construction of three ships to work out what cost savings could be achieved.

An Anglo-French carrier programme would prove controversial, with possible opposition on both sides of the Channel. British defence industry sources said there were also concerns that French involvement could delay the British programme, which is in advanced talks.

DCN already supplies several British programmes, and is involved in building components and systems for the Royal Navy’s new Type 45 frigates and Astute submarines.

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