Aircraft carriers are the crown jewels of naval warfare. Functioning as mobile airbases, they provide countries the ability to project air power globally. From combat missions and surveillance to humanitarian aid, these vessels combine sheer size with cutting-edge technology, making them the most strategic assets in modern navies.
In recent developments, China has reportedly launched the world’s first dedicated drone carrier, the Fujian Type 076, signaling a potential shift toward autonomous naval warfare. Meanwhile, traditional supercarriers continue to dominate the world’s oceans.
Top 10 Largest Aircraft Carriers in service
1. USS Gerald R. Ford Class (CVN-78) – United States
The Gerald R. Ford class is the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the world. With a displacement of over 100,000 tons, it is a showcase of American naval dominance.
- Commissioned: 2021 (USS Gerald R. Ford)
- Displacement: 100,000 tons
- Aircraft Capacity: 75+
- Crew: 4,539
Key Features:
- Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
- Advanced radar & self-defense systems
- Two A1B nuclear reactors
It offers reduced crew requirements, faster aircraft launch cycles, and extended operational lifespan.
2. Nimitz Class – United States
The Nimitz class preceded the Ford class and includes 10 carriers, each a nuclear-powered behemoth.
- Commissioned: First in 1975, last in 2009
- Displacement: 97,000 tons
- Aircraft Capacity: 60
- Crew: 5,000
- Propulsion: Two nuclear reactors
These carriers have supported nearly every major U.S. military operation since the Cold War and remain pivotal in America’s global strategy.
3. Queen Elizabeth Class – United Kingdom
The largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy, the Queen Elizabeth class includes HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.
- Commissioned: 2017 (QE), 2019 (PoW)
- Displacement: 65,000 tons
- Aircraft Capacity: Up to 40 (including F-35B)
- Propulsion: Gas turbines and diesel generators
These carriers form the core of the UK’s maritime power in the post-Brexit era.
4. Admiral Kuznetsov – Russia
The Admiral Kuznetsov is Russia’s only aircraft carrier and a holdover from the Soviet era.
- Commissioned: 1991
- Displacement: 58,500 tons
- Aircraft Capacity: 30
- Propulsion: Steam turbines
- Armament: Granit missiles, CIWS, SAMs
Though plagued by mechanical issues, it is a symbol of Russia’s blue-water ambitions.
5. Fujian (Type 003) – China
Fujian represents a technological leap for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
- Launched: 2022
- Displacement: Over 80,000 tons (estimated)
- Aircraft Capacity: 60+
- Key Feature: Electromagnetic Catapults (EMALS)
- Status: Sea trials as of 2024
It is China’s first modern supercarrier capable of launching heavier aircraft.
6. Shandong – China
The Shandong is the first domestically built carrier in China, improving on the Liaoning design.
- Commissioned: 2019
- Displacement: 66,000 tons
- Aircraft Capacity: 40
- Launch System: Ski-jump
- Propulsion: Conventional
It strengthens China’s South China Sea operations and marks a step toward carrier independence.
7. Liaoning – China
Originally a Soviet ship, Liaoning was acquired and refurbished by China.
- Commissioned: 2012
- Displacement: 58,600 tons
- Aircraft Capacity: 50
- Role: Training and limited operational use
- Armament: CIWS, SAMs
It was China’s first step into carrier aviation, serving as a testbed for future designs.
8. INS Vikramaditya – India
A former Soviet vessel, INS Vikramaditya is India’s current flagship carrier.
- Commissioned: 2013
- Displacement: 44,500 tons
- Aircraft Capacity: ~30
- Aircraft: MiG-29K fighters, helicopters
- Role: Western Naval Command flagship
It gives India regional dominance in the Arabian Sea.
9. Charles de Gaulle (R91) – France
Europe’s only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, reinforces France’s strategic autonomy.
- Commissioned: 2001
- Displacement: ~42,000 tons
- Aircraft Capacity: 40
- Propulsion: Nuclear (2 reactors)
- Role: Mediterranean & Indo-Pacific operations
It regularly supports NATO and EU missions abroad.
10. INS Vikrant – India
India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, is a major leap in defense manufacturing.
- Commissioned: 2022
- Displacement: ~43,000 tons
- Aircraft Capacity: Up to 40
- Launch System: STOBAR
- Significance: Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliance in defense)
It enhances India’s Eastern Naval Command and Indo-Pacific security.
Comparison Table: The World’s Biggest Aircraft Carriers
| Rank | Name | Country | Displacement (Tons) | Aircraft Capacity | Propulsion | Commissioned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerald R. Ford Class | United States | 100,000 | 75+ | Nuclear (2×A1B) | 2021 |
| 2 | Nimitz Class | United States | 97,000 | 60 | Nuclear | 1975–2009 |
| 3 | Queen Elizabeth Class | United Kingdom | 65,000 | Up to 40 | Gas turbines + diesel | 2017–2019 |
| 4 | Admiral Kuznetsov | Russia | 58,500 | 30 | Steam turbines | 1991 |
| 5 | Fujian (Type 003) | China | 80,000+ | 60+ | Conventional | 2022 (Trials) |
| 6 | Shandong | China | 66,000 | 40 | Conventional | 2019 |
| 7 | Liaoning | China | 58,600 | 50 | Conventional | 2012 |
| 8 | INS Vikramaditya | India | 44,500 | 30 | Conventional | 2013 |
| 9 | Charles de Gaulle (R91) | France | 42,000 | 40 | Nuclear (2 reactors) | 2001 |
| 10 | INS Vikrant | India | 43,000 | Up to 40 | Conventional (STOBAR) | 2022 |
Indian Navy Executes Daring Mid-Sea Salv...
Indian Army Successfully Tests Rudrastra...
India–US Air Force Special Forces Conclu...
