How many aircraft carriers are there in the world? Revealing the comparison of aircraft carrier strength among various countries
As the core equipment of the modern navy, the aircraft carrier symbolizes the country's comprehensive strength and ocean combat capabilities. In recent years, with the changes in the international situation, the development trends of aircraft carriers in various countries have become a hot topic. This article will sort out the number, type and distribution of aircraft carriers in service around the world, and show the details of each country's aircraft carriers through structured data.
1. Statistics on the number of active aircraft carriers in the world

As of 2024, there will be a total of23 active aircraft carriers, distributed in 9 countries. Among them, the United States has an absolute advantage with 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and other countries such as China, the United Kingdom, and India are also actively developing aircraft carrier forces. The following is the detailed data:
| country | Number of aircraft carriers in service | aircraft carrier type | Representative model |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 11 | nuclear power | Ford class, Nimitz class |
| China | 3 | conventional power | Shandong ship, Fujian ship |
| United Kingdom | 2 | conventional power | Queen Elizabeth class |
| India | 2 | conventional power | Vikramaditya, Vikrant |
| france | 1 | nuclear power | Charles de Gaulle |
| Russia | 1 | conventional power | Kuznetsov |
| Italy | 2 | conventional power | Cavour, Trieste |
| spain | 1 | conventional power | Juan Carlos I |
| Japan | 0 (quasi-aircraft carrier) | helicopter destroyer | Izumo class |
2. Development trends of aircraft carriers in various countries
1.USA: The U.S. Navy has the most powerful aircraft carrier fleet in the world. The latest "Ford-class" aircraft carrier in service uses electromagnetic catapult technology, which represents the development direction of future aircraft carriers. The United States currently plans to build more Ford-class aircraft carriers to replace the aging Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.
2.China: China has made rapid progress in the field of aircraft carriers in recent years. The third aircraft carrier "Fujian Ship" has been launched, using electromagnetic catapult technology, marking that China's aircraft carrier technology has entered the forefront of the world. China may build nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the future.
3.United Kingdom: Britain's two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are Europe's most advanced conventionally powered aircraft carriers and can carry F-35B stealth fighters, enhancing Britain's maritime combat capabilities.
4.India: India's first domestically produced aircraft carrier "INS Vikrant" has entered service, marking India as one of the few countries that can independently build aircraft carriers. India also plans to build a second domestically produced aircraft carrier.
5.Russia: Russia's only aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" has been parked for a long time due to maintenance problems. It may undergo modernization or build a new aircraft carrier in the future.
3. Future development trends of aircraft carriers
With the advancement of science and technology, the development of aircraft carriers shows the following trends:
1.nuclear power: Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers have the advantages of strong endurance and no need for frequent replenishment. In the future, more countries may turn to nuclear-powered designs.
2.electromagnetic ejection technology: Compared with traditional steam ejection, electromagnetic ejection is more efficient, and the United States and China have taken the lead in applying this technology.
3.Drone on board: Drones will become an important combat force of aircraft carriers, reducing pilot risks and improving combat flexibility.
4.Miniaturization and modularity: Some countries may develop light aircraft carriers or amphibious assault ships to reduce costs and adapt to diverse mission requirements.
Conclusion
The aircraft carrier is not only a symbol of military power, but also a reflection of the country's comprehensive strength. The global aircraft carrier pattern is changing, and the rise of emerging countries will promote a new round of naval competition. In the future, the development of aircraft carrier technology will pay more attention to intelligence, efficiency and multi-functionality, becoming the core equipment in the struggle for maritime hegemony.
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