[2][3] Construction of the PANG is expected to begin around 2031 and it is projected to enter service in about 2038;[4] the year the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is due to be retired.

[8][9] In October 2018, French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly announced the start of a second carrier programme, this time as replacement for Charles de Gaulle.

[11] In May 2020, during a visit to Chantiers de l'Atlantique, Parly stated that the new carrier would be built in Saint-Nazaire—as expected, since it is the only dry dock in France capable of harbouring ships of that size.

[12] Architecture, propulsion options and number of ships were originally to be decided by President Macron in July 2020, to allow him to make the announcement at Bastille Day.

[13] During a visit to the Framatome site at Le Creusot on 8 December 2020, President Macron officially announced the start of the PANG programme, and selection of nuclear propulsion for the new ship.