Aircraft carriers are the most powerful and versatile warships in modern naval fleets, serving as floating air bases capable of projecting air power across vast expanses of the ocean, with their eminence having been proven since World War I.
World’s Top 10 Biggest Aircraft Carriers
USS Gerald R. Ford Class (CVN-78), USA
The USS Gerald R. Ford class is the largest aircraft carrier in the world, with a displacement of 100,000 tons. The first ship, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), was delivered to the US Navy in May 2017 and became operational in December 2021 after initial service entry in July 2017. The carrier features a state-of-the-art electromagnetic launch system on its 78-metre flight deck, supports over 75 aircraft, and houses 4,539 personnel. It’s powered by two A1B nuclear reactors and equipped with advanced defensive systems like the RIM-162 missiles and Phalanx CIWS.
Nimitz Class, USA
The USS George Washington and USS John C. Stennis are currently undergoing mid-life overhauls to extend their operational lives by another 25 years. These carriers feature a massive 4.5-acre flight deck and can accommodate over 5,000 personnel. The Nimitz class carriers, with a displacement of 97,000 tonnes, rank as the second-largest aircraft carriers globally. The first of this class launched in May 1975, and the fleet has expanded to ten ships, the latest being USS George HW Bush, commissioned in January 2009.
Queen Elizabeth Class, UK
The Queen Elizabeth class is the largest warship built for the Royal Navy, displacing 65,000 tons. HMS Queen Elizabeth, the lead ship, was commissioned in December 2017 and completed its maiden seven-month operational deployment in December 2021. The second ship, HMS Prince of Wales, was commissioned in December 2019 and participated as a NATO command ship in 2022. These carriers can support up to 40 aircraft and use advanced Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines and diesel generators for propulsion.
Admiral Kuznetsov, Russian Federation
Russia’s Admiral Kuznetsov, displacing 58,500 tonnes, is the fourth-largest carrier in the world and the only operational carrier in the Russian Navy. It accommodates a variety of aircraft, including Su-33 and MiG-29K fighters, and features powerful armaments such as Kashtan CIWS and Granit missiles. Its steam turbine propulsion allows for a maximum speed of 32 knots.
Fujian, China
China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian, launched in June 2022, is set to be its most advanced, with a displacement exceeding 80,000 tons. It is the first Chinese carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, marking a significant technological advancement over the ski-jump systems used on earlier ships.
Shandong, China
Commissioned in December 2019, the Shandong is China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier and the second in active service. With improvements over its predecessor, Liaoning, Shandong features a larger flight deck and enhanced aircraft capacity, highlighting China’s growing capabilities in naval architecture.
Liaoning, China
The Liaoning, a refitted Soviet-era carrier, was commissioned by China in September 2012. It has a displacement of over 58,000 tonnes and carries approximately 50 aircraft. Its armament includes CIWS and surface-to-air missiles, enhancing its defensive capabilities.
INS Vikramaditya, India
It is a modified Kiev-class carrier acquired from Russia and commissioned in November 2013. It displaces 44,500 tonnes and can carry over 30 aircraft. Its robust armament and advanced propulsion system make it a cornerstone of India’s maritime force.
Charles de Gaulle (R91), France
France’s Charles de Gaulle (R91), the only nuclear-powered carrier outside the US, underwent a significant refit in 2013. It displaces 42,000 tonnes and can support 40 aircraft, including advanced Rafale M fighters. Powered by two nuclear reactors, it offers substantial speed and power, underscoring France’s maritime capabilities.
INS Vikrant, India
India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant can operate up to 40 aircraft. This carrier represents a major step forward in India’s naval self-reliance, featuring sophisticated weapon systems and a STOBAR mechanism for aircraft operations.
