In this article, we look at 5 countries that have the most aircraft carriers and also talk about the only one that has a $13.3 billion warship. You can read in detail about trends in the naval industry and America’s Gerald R. Ford Aircraft Carrier Program by heading over to our article titled: 12 Countries Have Aircraft Carriers But Only One Has A $13.3 Billion Warship.
5. Japan
Aircraft Carriers: 2
Japan announced in 2018 that it was transforming its two helicopter carriers, Izumo and Kaga, into warships that are capable of launching and recovering fighter jets such as the F-35B. In October 2021, jets belonging to the US Marines made a landing on Izumo, which signaled the transformed capabilities of this Japanese carrier. Combined, both Izumo and Kaga have a displacement of 64,200 tons.
4. India
Aircraft Carriers: 2
India has two aircraft carriers – INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant – with a total tonnage of 90,000. The first was commissioned in 1996 and was initially under the service of the Russian and Soviet navies before being acquired by the Indian Navy. The latter is India’s own locally produced aircraft carrier. Work is currently ongoing for the development of the country’s third carrier, INS Vishal, which is likely to have a displacement of 70,000 tons. India’s Cochin Shipyard Limited is looking after the project.
3. China
Aircraft Carriers: 2
The Chinese Navy operates two aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong. Liaoning has a displacement of 60,000 tons and has a capacity to carry up to 38 aircrafts, which usually are the J-15 fighter jets and naval helicopters. On the other hand, Shandong has a tonnage of 70,000 and unlike Liaoning, possesses combat operations capabilities.
2. United Kingdom
Aircraft Carriers: 2
The United Kingdom has two aircraft carriers, both belonging to the Queen Elizabeth class of carriers. These are the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Both carriers have a tonnage of 72,000 each and are typically equipped with at least 20-24 fighter jets, with a capacity to deploy 36.
1. United States
Aircraft Carriers: 11
The United States has the most number of aircraft carriers in the world with 11 carriers – belonging to the Nimitz and Ford classes. This includes a nuclear-powered warship worth $13.3 billion called CVN-78, which is a part of the Gerald R. Ford class of carriers. It is the lead ship of this class and the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world at the moment. This carrier will provide the United States a major edge if it were to enter into a naval conflict in the future as it allows 25% more launches with 25% fewer crewmen compared to the Nimitz class of carriers. Apart from the CVN-78 carrier, there are three more carriers of the same class that are scheduled to be operational within the next decade, which will further strengthen America’s status as a global naval power.
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