French aircraft carrier decision in 2011-12

President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Tuesday he had until 2011 or 2012 to decide whether to build a second aircraft carrier for France, further delaying a decision after Britain announced it would add to its carrier fleet.

"For the second aircraft carrier we have a bit of time, as the decision should be taken around 2011, 2012," Sarkozy said in an interview on RTL radio. "I want to think about it. It's a weighty decision."

France has one aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, which requires regular maintenance.

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