Aircraft carriers: how many of them are there and who has them?
Currently I’m reading a book by American researcher Rush Doshi entitled “The Long Game” and subtitled “China’s grand strategy to displace American order”. Recently I read the section on China’s development of aircraft carriers which led me to wonder: how many aircraft carriers are there in the world and which nations have them?
As usual, a good source is the relevant Wikipedia page. From this, we learn that at present there are 46 aircraft carriers in service. The countries that have such vessels are Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Most of these nations – 10 out of 14 – only have one or two (Russia only has one just now and the UK only has two). Two them have four: China and Japan (but China has two more undergoing trials). Not surprisingly, the US has the most: 20 with another six in reserve, undergoing trials, or under construction.
I’m no military expert, but I wonder how vulnerable aircraft carriers are in the age of cruise missiles. I hope that we never have to find out.
August 21st, 2022 at 12:14 pm
You ask a good question Roger. They are all vulnerable. However, a carrier group includes many escorts with anti sub and anti- aircraft/anti missile capabilities. The tech involved and the aircraft flown vary from obsolete for secondary powers to awesome for the US. The same applies to the aircraft/helos carried. The costs are mind boggling, especially when you look at the needs for domestic spending in all cases. The purpose of carrier groups is to project power to remote locations. National prestige and Diplomacy is a key role with aid offered, at astronomic expense. In a clash with minor powers or a proxy war a US carrier group is decisive.In a major battle between more serious powers one wonders.
August 21st, 2022 at 12:17 pm
You ask a good question Roger. They are all vulnerable. However, a carrier group includes many escorts with anti sub and anti- aircraft/anti missile capabilities. The tech involved and the aircraft flown vary from obsolete for secondary powers to awesome for the US. The same applies to the aircraft/helos carried. The costs are mind boggling, especially when you look at the needs for domestic spending in all cases. The purpose of carrier groups is to project power to remote locations. National prestige and Diplomacy are key roles. Aid can be offered, at astronomic expense. In a clash with minor powers or a proxy war a US carrier group is decisive.In a major battle between more serious powers one wonders.