The world's oceans are dominated by massive aircraft carriers, floating cities that project naval power and serve as mobile airbases. These behemoths represent a significant investment in military might and technological advancement. As of August 2025, here’s a look at ten of the largest aircraft carriers in the world, considering their size, technology, and capabilities.
USS Gerald R. Ford Class (CVN-78), United States: The USS Gerald R. Ford class leads the pack as the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the world. Displacing over 100,000 tons, this American carrier showcases naval dominance with its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), advanced radar, and self-defense systems. It is powered by two A1B nuclear reactors. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) can carry over 75 aircraft and requires a crew of approximately 4,500. This class represents a leap in naval engineering, replacing the decommissioned USS Enterprise (CVN-65).
Nimitz Class, United States: Preceding the Ford class, the Nimitz class includes 10 nuclear-powered carriers, each displacing around 97,000 tons. Commissioned between 1975 and 2009, these carriers can hold approximately 60 aircraft and have a crew of about 5,000. The Nimitz-class carriers have served in numerous major missions over the past four decades.
Queen Elizabeth Class, United Kingdom: The Queen Elizabeth class comprises the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy, including HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. These carriers displace 65,000 tons and can carry up to 40 aircraft, including F-35B stealth fighters. HMS Queen Elizabeth began sea trials in June 2017 and was commissioned in December of the same year.
Fujian (Type 003), China: China's Fujian is the nation's first aircraft carrier to use an electromagnetic catapult to launch aircraft from the deck, rather than a ski ramp. It has a flat-top flight deck for smooth take-offs and landings. The Fujian has a full-load displacement of around 80,000 tonnes.
Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia: As Russia's sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov is a holdover from the Soviet era. This carrier displaces 58,500 tons and can carry around 30 aircraft. Commissioned in 1991, it combines aircraft operations with heavy missile armament.
Shandong, China: China's Shandong is an improved Chinese-built carrier with a larger deck and a higher aircraft capacity.
Liaoning, China: Liaoning is China’s first carrier, boosting its naval power projection in the region. It is a Type 001 carrier.
INS Vikramaditya, India: INS Vikramaditya is India's largest warship, displacing 44,500 tons. This modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier was acquired from Russia and commissioned in 2013. It can carry approximately 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighters and helicopters.
INS Vikrant, India: India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, marks a major leap in defense manufacturing. Commissioned in 2022, it displaces around 43,000 tons and can carry up to 40 aircraft. It employs a short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) system.
Charles de Gaulle (R91), France: France’s nuclear-powered flagship has long-range endurance and a strong air wing.
These aircraft carriers symbolize naval power and play a crucial role in maintaining maritime security and projecting military influence across the globe.
