"It is clear that the budgetary situation concerning the equipment of our forces makes the construction of a second aircraft carrier difficult," the minister told Europe 1 radio and the TV5 Monde television channel.

"It's a decision that we will have to take in the coming weeks," he said, adding: "The president of the republic will decide."

Sarkozy had mooted the building of a second French aircraft carrier as early as February last year when he was campaigning for the presidency.

It could be built with British cooperation and is likely to coast 3.5 billion euros (5.5 billion dollars), according to recent French parliamentary estimate.

The Charles de Gaulle is the only serving French aircraft carrier and the first French nuclear-powered surface vessel.

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