1. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) – United States
Displacement: ~100,000 tons
Length: 1,106 ft (337 m)
Commissioned: 2017
The largest aircraft carrier in the world, part of the Ford-class supercarriers.
Features advanced EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) and improved nuclear reactors.
Can carry over 75 aircraft including F/A-18 Super Hornets, F-35C Lightning II, and helicopters.
2. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Class – United States
Displacement: ~100,000 tons
Length: 1,092 ft (333 m)
Commissioned: First in 1975, last in 2009
A total of 10 supercarriers in this class remain in service.
Each can carry around 60–70 aircraft.
The Nimitz-class has been the backbone of US naval dominance for decades.
3. Fujian (Type 003) – China
Displacement: ~80,000 tons (estimated)
Length: ~1,033 ft (315 m)
Launched: 2022, undergoing sea trials in 2025
China’s largest and most advanced carrier, featuring a CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system similar to US carriers.
Marks China’s entry into the elite group of nations with supercarrier capabilities.
4. Shandong (Type 002) – China
Displacement: ~70,000 tons
Length: 999 ft (305 m)
Commissioned: 2019
China’s first indigenously built carrier.
Uses a ski-jump deck for launching J-15 fighter jets.
5. Liaoning (Type 001) – China
Displacement: ~58,000–67,000 tons
Length: 999 ft (304.5 m)
Commissioned: 2012
Originally built as a Soviet carrier (Varyag), later modernized and commissioned by China.
Currently used for training and operations.
6. INS Vikrant (IAC-1) – India
Displacement: ~45,000 tons
Length: 860 ft (262 m)
Commissioned: 2022
India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, showcasing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Operates MiG-29K fighter jets and advanced helicopters.
7. INS Vikramaditya – India
Displacement: ~45,400 tons
Length: 930 ft (284 m)
Commissioned: 2013 (refitted from Russian Admiral Gorshkov)
Acts as the flagship of the Indian Navy.
Operates MiG-29K, Kamov helicopters, and advanced radar systems.
8. Admiral Kuznetsov – Russia
Displacement: ~58,000 tons
Length: 1,001 ft (305 m)
Commissioned: 1991
Russia’s only aircraft carrier, currently undergoing maintenance and modernization.
Operates Su-33 and MiG-29K fighters.
9. Charles de Gaulle (R91) – France
Displacement: ~42,500 tons
Length: 858 ft (261.5 m)
Commissioned: 2001
France’s only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Can carry Rafale M fighters and E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.
10. Cavour (CVH 550) – Italy
Displacement: ~30,000 tons
Length: 804 ft (245 m)
Commissioned: 2008
Italy’s largest warship, capable of operating F-35B Lightning II fighter jets.
Also supports amphibious operations.
11. Juan Carlos I – Spain
Displacement: ~27,000 tons
Length: 757 ft (231 m)
Commissioned: 2010
A multi-purpose amphibious assault ship that also functions as a light aircraft carrier.
Can operate AV-8B Harrier II and helicopters.
12. Izumo-class (JS Izumo & JS Kaga) – Japan
Displacement: ~27,000 tons
Length: 813 ft (248 m)
Commissioned: 2015 (Izumo), 2017 (Kaga)
Originally classified as helicopter destroyers, now being modified to operate F-35B fighter jets.
Represent Japan’s modern naval power projection.
Key Takeaways
The United States Navy leads the world with the largest and most powerful carriers, including the Ford-class and Nimitz-class supercarriers.
China has rapidly expanded its carrier fleet, with three operational carriers including the advanced Fujian.
India now operates two major carriers – INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, giving it strong maritime strength in the Indian Ocean region.
Nations like France, Russia, Italy, Spain, and Japan also maintain advanced carriers for regional and global operations.
Conclusion
Aircraft carriers remain the backbone of naval supremacy in modern warfare. With technological advancements such as nuclear propulsion, advanced aircraft launch systems, and stealth fighters, these warships will continue to dominate the seas in the coming decades.
The top 12 largest aircraft carriers listed here highlight the nations that lead in maritime defense capabilities. As global geopolitical challenges grow, the strategic importance of these carriers will only increase.
