We should start by saying that aircraft carriers are – by far – the largest naval military vessels in history. When it comes to naval warfare, for centuries navies developed and built different designs for ships. But, with the birth of aircraft, many wanted a combination of these two. That’s where the concept of aircraft carriers was born. Numerous steps had to be made for us to have these types of aircraft carriers in the 21st century.

The first vessels of this type were nothing similar to what we see today. The latest and most modern carriers can carry the most lethal carrier-based fighters, the most useful helicopters, and the most advanced drones on the planet. The strong features of every aircraft carrier are its size, its displacement, its aircraft, and its weapon systems. Based on that, let’s see which are the most powerful carriers on the planet!

10/10 Chakri Naruebet

This Thai carrier was the first owned by a Southeast Asia nation. Chakri Naruevet can carry up to 30 fixed-aircraft and helicopters. Some available options are the AV-8S attack aircraft, the S-70B, Seahawk, Sea King, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

When it comes to defensive armament, we haven’t much to say. The 8 VLS cells for the Sea Sparrow missiles and the four Vulcan Phalanx close combat weapon systems from the initial plan were never added to the carrier.

9/10 Cavour

Cavour operates as the flagship of the Italian Navy since 2008 when it was first started serving. The light aircraft carrier can carry over 20 aircraft and helicopters, although there are only limited options available. For fixed-wing aircraft, there’s only Boeing V-8B Harrier II Plus. But, Italy from the beginning wanted V/STOL aircraft and that’s why the country plans to acquire F-35Bs to replace its current aerial fleet.

The design of the vessels allows it to transfer tanks and other vehicles, plus hundreds of marines (up to 325).

8/10 São Paulo

With a displacement of 34,000 tons, the Brazilian carrier became the biggest ship of the Brazilian Navy in 2000, when it started serving the South American country. From 1963 to 2000, the French Navy owned the ship.

The carrier can carry up to 40 aircraft and helicopters, but there are only being used for training at the moment. Don’t expect much at the offensive weapons on the vessel.

7/10 Vikramaditya

Vikramaditya is the only light carrier of the Indian Navy. Actually, it is a refitted cruiser of the Soviet Kiev class. Vikramaditya started serving the Indian army only in 2014.

The light carrier can launch up to 30 aircraft and helicopters, while the available options consist of MiG-29KU and MiG-29KUB fighters, Sea Harrier attack aircraft, and helicopters like the Ka-31.

6/10 Charles de Gaulle

The French flagship Charles de Gaulle couldn’t miss the list. This is the only nuclear-powered carrier outside the United States.

Its aerial fleet can consist of up to 40 aircraft and helicopters. The multi-role fighters are of course the excellent French Rafale, a feature that makes the carrier fearsome and lethal. There are also early warning aircraft like the E-2C Hawkeye and helicopters like the AS 322 Cougar on the deck.

5/10 Queen Elizabeth

Two Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers have been produced, with the first delivery to take place in 2009.

The vessels have a displacement of 65,000 tons, a length of 930 feet, and can carry up to 40 aircraft. Even if the British ships have similar dimensions to the Chinese and Russian carriers, the last two only operate air superiority on their deck. On the contrary, the United Kingdom operates the F-35B multi-role fighters.

The defense armament is limited to a Phalanx close weapon system and 30 mm naval guns.

4/10 Shandong

Varyag is the second ship of the Soviet class Kuznetsov, that was delivered in Ukraine in 1985. After the Dissolution of the Soviet Union, the production of the vessel paused and the ship was sold to China. The carrier after many changes started serving the Chinese Navy in 2012. The new designation was Liaoning.

In 2019, another carrier of the same class started serving the Chinese Navy with the designation Shandong. The specific vessel is the only one that was produced inside the Chinese borders.

So, Shandong has a displacement of 64,000 tons, a length of 1,033 feet, and can carry 44 aircraft. A typical option is the J-15 air superiority fighter.

The carrier comes armed with defensive short-range weapons.

3/10 Kuznetsov Class

Admiral Kuznetsov started serving in the Russian Navy in 1991. Even if it’s smaller compared to the US carriers, it carries powerful defensive weapons.

The carrier has a displacement of 60,000 tons, a length of 1,000 feet, and can carry up to 40 aircraft.

The vessel carries some defensive weapons, like guided cruise missiles, something that provides it with the capability to engage with the surface, underwater, and aerial targets.

2/10 Improved Nimitz Class

In total, ten super-carriers of this class were built: 3 Nimitz and 7 improved Nimitz vessels.

These nuclear carriers have a displacement of 100,000 tons, a length of 1,090 feet, and can carry up to 80 aircraft. Typical options for the aerial fleet are the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multi-role fighters, the F/A-18C Hornets attack aircraft, and more. In standard conditions, the improved Nimitz operates with 60 aircraft and helicopters, but if the situation requires extra aircraft, the vessel can fit up to 130 F/A-18 Hornets.

These carriers have automatic defense systems that can work against anti-ship-guided cruise missiles.

1/10 Ford Class

Ford class is the successor of the Nimitz class of aircraft carriers of the US Navy. These are the largest military vessels that have been built.

The ships have the same size and displacement as Nimitz but feature more automatic and advanced systems. Each carrier has enough space for 85 aircraft, like the F-35B/C and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multi-role fighter, the EA-18G electronic warfare, the MH-60R and MH-60S naval helicopters, and more.

It’s interesting and at the same time a little funny the fact that one aircraft carrier of this class is more powerful than whole air forces. The defense weapon of the Ford-class consists of 16 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles for each ship. These weapons are being used against fast and agile incoming anti-ship missiles. Besides that, there are two launchers with 21 Rolling Airframe Missiles that are also being used against anti-ship missiles (short-range). Last but not least, these vessels are equipped with 20 mm Phalanx close combat weapon systems.