Aircraft carriers are floating cities of military power — massive warships that function as mobile airfields, capable of launching and recovering combat aircraft anywhere in the world’s oceans. They’re the ultimate symbol of naval dominance, and only a handful of nations have the resources, technology, and strategic need to build and operate them.
These ships have evolved dramatically since their early days — from converted cruisers to nuclear-powered supercarriers equipped with electromagnetic launch systems. They carry fighters, strike aircraft, and helicopters, and they serve as the command center of entire naval fleets.
So which countries actually have them? Here are 13 nations currently operating aircraft carriers, along with the ships that make their fleets formidable.
1. Brazil — NAM Atlântico
The NAM Atlântico is the current flagship of the Brazilian Navy, but it wasn’t always Brazilian. It was originally built in the United Kingdom as HMS Ocean, commissioned for the Royal Navy in September 1998. After nearly two decades of service, it was decommissioned in March 2018.
Brazil purchased the carrier in December 2017 and commissioned it as a multi-purpose vessel in June 2018. At 203.43 meters long with a full load displacement of 21,578 tonnes, it gives Brazil a capable platform for helicopter operations and amphibious missions.
2. South Korea — Dokdo
The Dokdo-class is an amphibious assault ship operated by the Republic of Korea Navy. At 199 meters long and 31 meters wide, with a full load displacement of 19,000 tonnes, it’s considered one of the most advanced vessels in the Asia-Pacific region. It can reach a maximum speed of 23 knots.
3. Australia — Canberra-Class and HMAS Adelaide
Canberra-Class
The Canberra-class is the first of two landing helicopter dock ships built for the Royal Australian Navy. Launched in 2011 and commissioned in November 2014, here’s what it brings to the table:
- Length: 230.82 meters
- Maximum beam: 32 meters
- Full load displacement: 27,500 tonnes
- Top speed: 20 knots
- Flight deck: 202.3 × 32 meters
- Capacity: Eight medium-sized helicopters
HMAS Adelaide
HMAS Adelaide is the second Canberra-class ship. Launched in July 2012 and commissioned in December 2015, it shares the same specs as its sister ship — 230.82 meters long, 27,500 tonnes full load displacement, and a top speed of 20 knots.
4. Egypt — Africa and the Middle East’s Only Carrier Operator
ENS Gamal Abdel Nasser
This French-designed Mistral-class helicopter carrier was originally built for the Russian Navy and went through sea trials before Egypt acquired it in September 2015. It was commissioned in June 2016. The 200-meter ship carries a full load of 21,300 tonnes and can reach 18.8 knots.
ENS Anwar El Sadat
The second Egyptian Mistral-class ship, commissioned in September 2016. It participated in joint Egyptian-French naval exercises in the Mediterranean the following month, practicing force planning and naval combat mission management.
According to Wikipedia, Egypt is the first and only country in Africa and the Middle East to operate aircraft carriers.
5. Japan — Izumo-Class
Japan’s Izumo-class multi-purpose destroyers serve with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). At 248 meters long with a full load displacement of 27,000 tonnes, they can hit a maximum speed of 30 knots. The lead ship was launched in August 2013 and commissioned in March 2015.
6. United States — The Undisputed Carrier Superpower
No country comes close to the U.S. when it comes to aircraft carriers. With over 10 carriers in its fleet, the American Navy operates more carrier tonnage than every other nation on this list combined.
USS America
Commissioned in October 2014, USS America is the first ship in her class and serves as the flagship of a U.S. Navy amphibious-ready group. This 844-foot vessel displaces 45,000 tons and is designed to carry helicopters and V/STOL aircraft. When configured with 20 F-35B strike fighters, it can perform the duties of much larger carriers. The design is based on the Wasp-class USS Makin Island and features a hybrid-electric propulsion system.
Gerald R. Ford-Class — The World’s Largest Carrier
The Gerald R. Ford-class is the biggest aircraft carrier in the world. Commissioned in May 2017 and operational since 2020, it features a 78-meter-wide flight deck with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear. It can carry over 75 aircraft, accommodate 4,539 people, and has a full load displacement of 100,000 tonnes.
Nimitz Class — The Nuclear-Powered Backbone
The Nimitz class is the second-largest carrier class in the world. Named after WWII Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the lead ship has been in service since May 1975. These nuclear-powered giants are 332.8 meters long, displace 97,000 tonnes, and feature a 4.5-acre flight deck capable of carrying over 60 aircraft.
Each Nimitz-class carrier accommodates roughly 3,000–3,200 ship’s company, 1,500 air wing personnel, and 500 additional crew. Two nuclear reactors power them to speeds exceeding 30 knots.
Other carriers in the U.S. Navy fleet include:
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Ronald Reagan
- Theodore Roosevelt
- John C. Stennis
- George Washington
- George H.W. Bush
- Carl Vinson
- Harry S. Truman
- Abraham Lincoln
7. United Kingdom — Queen Elizabeth Class
HMS Queen Elizabeth
The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are the largest warships ever built for the British Navy and the third-largest aircraft carriers in the world. Commissioned in December 2017, HMS Queen Elizabeth is 280 meters long with a full load displacement of about 65,000 tonnes.
Thanks to cutting-edge technology and automated systems, these ships only need a crew of 679 for combat operations — remarkably lean for vessels this size.
HMS Prince of Wales
The sister ship to Queen Elizabeth, HMS Prince of Wales was launched in December 2017 and commissioned in December 2019. Same dimensions, same displacement (65,000 tonnes), same advanced automation. Together, these two carriers represent a massive investment in the UK’s naval power projection capability.
8. Russia — Admiral Kuznetsov
Russia’s sole aircraft carrier is the Kuznetsov class — a 305-meter vessel with a full load displacement of 58,500 tonnes. What makes this ship unusual is that it’s heavily armed on its own, carrying significant weaponry in addition to its aircraft. It’s not just a floating airfield — it’s a warship in its own right.
The 14,700m² flight deck accommodates a mix of fighters and helicopters:
- Su-33
- MiG-29K
- Su-25UTG/UBP STOVL
- Ka-27S, Ka-27LD32, Ka-27PLO helicopters
The ship can accommodate 1,960 ship’s company, 626 air group personnel, and 40 flag staff.
9. China — A Rapidly Growing Carrier Fleet
Liaoning
The Liaoning is the fifth-largest aircraft carrier in the world and serves with China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It has an interesting backstory — it was originally planned as the second Kuznetsov-class carrier for the Soviet Navy, but after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, China acquired the unfinished hull, rebuilt it, and commissioned it in September 2012.
Currently classified as a training ship, Liaoning gives the Chinese Navy an environment to experiment with and master carrier operations. With a full load displacement exceeding 58,000 tonnes, it can carry around 50 aircraft including fixed-wing planes and helicopters.
Shandong
China’s second carrier, the Shandong, was commissioned in December 2019. At 315 meters long with a full load displacement of 70,000 tonnes, it’s significantly larger than the Liaoning and represents China’s first domestically designed carrier.
Hainan
The Hainan was commissioned in April 2021. At 237 meters with a load displacement of 35,000 tonnes, it’s an amphibious assault ship that adds further depth to China’s growing naval capabilities.
10. India — INS Vikramaditya
INS Vikramaditya is India’s largest Navy warship and one of the biggest aircraft carriers in the world. This 283.5-meter modified Kiev-class carrier entered service in 2013 after India purchased it in January 2004.
With a full load displacement of 45,400 tons, it can carry up to 36 aircraft — including 26 MiG-29K multi-role fighters, 10 Ka-31 AEW&C helicopters, and Kamov Ka-28 ASW helicopters.
11. France — Nuclear Power and a Four-Carrier Fleet
Charles De Gaulle — Europe’s Only Nuclear Carrier
The Charles De Gaulle is France’s first nuclear-powered surface ship and one of the most significant carriers outside the United States. In operation since 2001, it’s the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the world that isn’t American.
Displacing 36,000 tons, it can carry 40 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters — including Rafale M fighters, Super Étendards, E-2C Hawkeyes, and various helicopter types. Two K17 reactors power the ship to a maximum speed of 27 knots. It was designed for both stealth and versatility, serving assault and transport roles equally well.
Mistral, Tonnerre, and Dixmude
France also operates three Mistral-class amphibious assault ships:
- Mistral — Commissioned February 2006, 653 feet, 21,300 tonnes
- Tonnerre — Commissioned December 2006, 199 meters, 21,300 tonnes
- Dixmude — Commissioned December 2012, 21,300 tonnes
12. Spain — Juan Carlos I
Named after the former Spanish king, the Juan Carlos I was the first vessel in the Spanish Navy to use diesel-electric propulsion. Commissioned in September 2010, this multi-purpose amphibious assault ship displaces 26,000 tonnes and features a 202-meter flight deck with a ski-jump ramp.
It can accommodate a range of aircraft including CH-47 Chinooks, V-22 Ospreys, Harriers, and F-35 Lightning IIs. Beyond aviation, it can carry 900 naval personnel, equipment, and support elements for 1,200 soldiers — making it one of the most versatile ships in any European fleet.
13. Italy — Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi
Cavour
The Cavour displaces 30,000 tonnes and features a 232.6 × 34.5-meter flight deck equipped with short-range defense systems, guns, and decoy launchers. It can house AV-8B Harriers, JSFs, NH90s, EH101s, SH3Ds, and AB212 helicopters — and it can even carry up to 24 main battle tanks. Powered by six diesel generators, it reaches a maximum speed of 16 knots.
Giuseppe Garibaldi
Commissioned in September 1985, the Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of the longest-serving carriers still in operation. With a load displacement of 13,850 tonnes and an 80-meter-wide flight deck, it’s smaller than the Cavour but has been a reliable workhorse of the Italian Navy for decades.
Aircraft carriers remain the clearest measure of a nation’s ability to project military power across oceans. The U.S. dominates this space with a fleet that dwarfs every other country on the list, but the race isn’t slowing down — China is building fast, the UK has invested heavily in its Queen Elizabeth class, and countries like India and South Korea continue expanding their capabilities. In naval strategy, carriers aren’t just ships. They’re statements.
