France will build a new aircraft carrier to replace the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle, President Emmanuel Macron announced to French troops at a military base in Abu Dhabi on December 21, AFP and France 24 reported.

"In line with the last two military programming laws, and after a thorough and comprehensive review, I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier," Macron stated during the visit to French troops in the United Arab Emirates. The decision to move ahead with the project was made this week, according to the president.

Macron arrived in the UAE on December 21 to celebrate Christmas with French troops and discuss bilateral ties with the Gulf state, as France seeks greater cooperation in its fight against drug trafficking.

The French president is due to meet with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss "strengthening the strategic partnership" between the two countries, according to the French presidency, which stressed their cooperation on security and defence.

More than 900 French troops are deployed in the UAE. The French president traditionally celebrates the end-of-year holidays with troops deployed abroad before sharing a Christmas meal prepared by the Elysee's chefs.

France cooperates with the UAE on areas including artificial intelligence and trade, and now wants to secure the Gulf state's support in its war on drug trafficking. Major traffickers are believed to have found refuge in the UAE, particularly Dubai, with some thought to have built up substantial real estate portfolios there.

The French delegation includes Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, who in November called on the UAE to extradite some 15 suspected drug traffickers wanted by France.

The Charles de Gaulle, commissioned in 2001, is France's only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and serves as the flagship of the French Navy. The vessel has been central to France's power projection capabilities and participation in international military operations.