Which is the best aircraft carrier in the world? Which is the greatest modern aircraft carrier and why? Our Top 10 analysis is based on the combined score of size, displacement, airwing, offensive and defensive weapons and other features.

   This list also includes aircraft carriers, that are currently under construction, but will enter service within the next couple of years.

   Currently top 10 deadliest aircraft carriers in the world are these:

Nr.1 Ford class (USA)

   Hull design of the Ford class is similar to that of the Nimitz class. The new aircraft carriers have a smaller, redesigned and more stealthy island. The new aircraft carriers have the same displacement as the previous Nimitz class, but are fitted with more automated and efficient systems.

   Each of these vessels will carry an airwing that will include 85 fixed-wing aircraft, VSTOL aircraft, helicopters, or unmanned aerial vehicles. These will include F-35B/C and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multi-role fighters, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye early warning aircraft, MH-60R and MH-60S naval helicopters. It is larger and more powerful force than complete air force of many nations. By operating these aircraft carriers United States will remain unchallenged sea force on earth throughout the 21st century.

   Defensive weapons of the Ford class include two launchers with 16 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) each. These missiles are used against incoming high-speed, maneuveing anti-ship missiles. It also has two launchers with 21 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) that are also used against anti-ship missiles at close range. Also there are four 20 mm Phalanx close-in weapon systems.

Nr.2 Improved Nimitz class (USA)

   These supercarriers typically operate over 60 aircraft and helicopters. However surge capacity is 130 F/A-18 Hornets.

   These supercarriers have automated self-defence systems against anti-ship cruise missiles by integrating and co-coordinating the ship's weapon and electronic warfare systems.

   In the forthcomming decades all of these vessels are due to be replaced by the new Ford class aircraft carriers.

Nr.3 Fujian (China)

   The Fujian is significantly larger than previous Chinese aircraft carriers. It is actually nearly as large as the US Ford class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

   This aircraft carrier is fitted with electromagnetic catapults. Such catapults enable the launch of bigger aircraft with heavier payloads and more fuel.

   Judging from the size of the Fujian, this carrier can accommodate around 60 aircraft. It will operate J-15 series fighters. In 2021 China ordered another 55 improved J-15 series fighters that will form the airwing of the Fujian. China is also developing new types of carrier-base aircraft, such as the KJ-600 AWACS aircraft, that is equivalent of the US E-2 Hawkeye. Most likely that this carrier will also operate unmanned aerial vehicles as well as some helicopters.

   Propulsion is provided by 8 conventional oil-fired boilers rather than nuclear reactors. There are steam turbines with a combined output of around 220 000 hp. Power is delivered to 4 shafts. Actually it seems that propulsion system of the Fujian is rather similar to that of the Shandong aircraft carrier, but in a slightly uprated form.

Nr.4 Kuznetsov (Russia)

   The Admiral Kuznetsov is a heavy aviation cruiser rather than just an aircraft carrier. It carries a number of offensive weapons typically associated with guided missile cruisers. The carrier itself is capable of engaging surface, subsurface and airborne targets.

   This ship is conventionally propelled with oil-fired boilers rather than nuclear reactor.

   Service of the Admiral Kuznetsov in the Russian Navy is plagued with various accidents and plane crashes. There are problems with the ship's propulsion system. Russia definitely struggles maintaining its only aircraft carrier and keeping it operational. There are no immediate plans in Russia to construct successor for this ship.

   Since 2018 this Russian aircraft carrier is being repaired, refurbished and upgraded in order to extend its service life. It is expected to return to service in 2021.

   Unfinished hull of the second ship of the class was acquired by the Chinese navy. It was refitted with modern outfit and commissioned in service with the Chinese navy in 2012 as the Liaoning.

Nr.5 Shandong (China)

   In 2017 another aircraft carrier of this class was launched in China. It was built to improved Type 001A project. It was commissioned in 2019 as the Shandong. It is the first aircraft carrier ever manufactured in China.

   The Shandong can carry up to 44 fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. It operates a mix of Chinese J-15 air superiority fighters, Z-8 naval helicopters and Russian Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters.

   This Chinese carrier is fitted only with short-range defensive weapons. It represent a significant shift in the balance of naval power in the area.

Nr.6 Queen Elizabeth class (United Kingdom)

   The Queen Elizabeth class carriers are be much more capable comparing with the previous Invincible class light aircraft carriers. These can carry over 40 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

   The Queen Elizabeth class carriers have broadly similar dimensions and displacement to the Russian Admiral Kuznetsov and Chinese Liaoning. The Russian and Chinese carriers operate air superiority fighters, while the Queen Elizabeth class ships will carry lighter but stealthy F-35B stealthy multi-role fighters with STOVL capability. These fighters will perform air defense, ground attack and reconnaissance missions. Also there is a mix of CH-47 Chinook, Merlin and AW159 (previously knonwn as Lynx Wildcat) helicopters for utility and anti-submarine warfare roles.

   Defensive weapons are limited to Phalanx close-in weapon systems to counter airborne threats and 30 mm naval guns to counter seaborne threats.

Nr.7 Charles de Gaulle (France)

   Second ship of the class was planned but never ordered due to lack of funding.

Nr.8 INS Vikrant (India)

   The hangar accomodates a total of 17 aircraft and helicopters, while remaining 19 can be stored on the flight deck. There are two elevators. The INS Vikrant is fitted with sky jump and has have two take-off runways.

   Main weapons of the INS Vikrant are its fighter aircraft. It will carry a mix of Russian MiG-29K and Indian carrier-borne version of the HAL Tejas and, possibly, Sea Harrier. The multi-role MiG-29K will be the primary air superiority and ground attack aircraft.

Nr.9 Vikramaditya (India)

   The INS Vikramaditya can operate about 30 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters including MiG-29KU and MiG-29KUB carrier-based multi-role fighters, Sea Harrier  STOVL ground attack aircraft, HAL Dhruv utility helicopters helicopters and Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters. Maximum capacity is 30 aircraft and 6 helicopters.

   The INS Vikramaditya lost some offensive heavy weapons of the Admiral Gorshkov, carried at the bow. Currently it is armed only with short-range air defense weapons.

Nr.10 Cavour (Italy)

   For utility, anti-submarine warfare and airborne surveillance roles this light aircraft carrier operates EH-101, NH-90 and SH-3D helicopters.

   This light aircraft carrier has amphibious assault capability. It can transport main battle tanks and amphibious assault vehicles in its aircraft hangar. Also it accommodates a regiment of 325 marines.