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The 15 Biggest Aircraft Carriers in the World Today
From nuclear-powered supercarriers to cutting-edge Asian and European flagships, discover the world's 15 largest aircraft carriers and the naval powers that command them.
8 hours agoVerified Editorial
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The 15 Biggest Aircraft Carriers in the World Today 
15. JS Kaga — JapanConverted into a true carrier, Japan's 27,000-tonne JS Kaga deploys stealth F-35B Lightning II fighters across the Pacific. 
14. Juan Carlos I — SpainSpain's 27,079-tonne flagship features a 12-degree ski-jump ramp to launch AV-8B Harrier II jump jets in expeditionary warfare. 
13. Cavour — ItalyDisplacing 30,000 tonnes, Marina Militare's Cavour deploys short takeoff F-35B fighters as a premier Mediterranean strike force. - AdvertisementSwipe or tap ▶ to continue countdown
12. Trieste — ItalyAt 38,000 tonnes, Italy's Trieste is among the largest post-war European warships, built for heavy amphibious and air operations. 
11. Wasp-Class — United StatesWith 41,150 tonnes of displacement, eight Wasp-class amphibious assault carriers project air combat power around the globe. 
10. Charles De Gaulle — FranceFrance's 42,500-tonne nuclear-powered flagship launches Rafale M fighters via steam catapults across global hotspots. 
9. America-Class — United StatesAt 45,000 tonnes, America-class assault carriers optimize aviation deck space for up to 20 supersonic F-35B stealth fighters. - AdvertisementSwipe or tap ▶ to continue countdown
8. INS Vikrant — IndiaDisplacing 45,000 tonnes, India's first home-built aircraft carrier features a ski-jump ramp for MiG-29K naval fighter jets. 
7. INS Vikramaditya — IndiaRebuilt from a heavy missile cruiser, India's 45,400-tonne Vikramaditya serves as a mighty STOBAR carrier in the Indian Ocean. 
6. Admiral Kuznetsov — RussiaRussia's sole carrier displaces 58,500 tonnes and packs heavy anti-ship cruise missile launchers beneath its ski-jump deck. 
5. Liaoning — ChinaChina's first operational carrier displaces 60,500 tonnes, serving as the training and operational backbone of the PLA Navy. - AdvertisementSwipe or tap ▶ to continue countdown
4. Shandong — ChinaChina's first domestically built carrier displaces 66,000 tonnes and carries up to 36 Shenyang J-15 fighter jets. 
3. Queen Elizabeth-Class — United KingdomBritain's 65,000-tonne twin-island supercarriers deploy fifth-generation F-35B fighters across worldwide deployments. 
2. Nimitz-Class — United StatesAt 100,000 tonnes with 50-year nuclear cores, 10 Nimitz-class supercarriers have dominated oceanic combat for decades. 
1. USS Gerald R. Ford — United StatesDisplacing over 100,000 tonnes, the $13 billion USS Gerald R. Ford is the largest, most technologically advanced warship ever made. - Advertisement
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