#aircraft-carriers

#aircraft-carriers

In port, the 80,000-tonne Fujian aircraft carrier would be impossible to miss. More than 300 metres long and capable of carrying about 60 aircraft, the 5.4bn super-vessel places China second among the world's navies, with three aircraft carriers, though still a long way behind the global leader, the US, which has 11. Yet for all the great power projection of the new warship, nearly 5,000 miles away from its home port another conflict appears to suggest size may not matter.

China is making leaps and bounds with carrier technology. It recently showed off its newest aircraft carrier launching jets with electromagnetic catapults, a capability once unique to the US Navy's cutting-edge Ford-class flattops. And it did it with stealth jets, something the US has yet to do. But while Beijing's carriers may be nearing America's in technological capabilities, experts say they're still a long way from fighting like them. The real challenge isn't building ships.

In terms of world air forces, the U.S. Navy ranks as the second largest, coming in just behind the U.S. Air Force and just ahead of China and Russia. With such an impressive fleet, the USN is capable of projecting power worldwide from the decks of its aircraft carriers. This incredible reach is further sustained by ongoing training, industrial depth, and continual modernization, which keep the USN as one of the premier global air powers.

Aircraft carriers are the ultimate symbol of naval dominance, serving as floating airbases capable of projecting power all over the world. These carriers are home to strike aircraft, helicopters, and tactical transports capable of deploying at a moment's notice. In short, aircraft carriers are the crown jewel of any naval fleet. Their ability to control airspace, protect sea lanes, and deliver precision firepower makes them indispensable. Not to mention, only the most powerful navies in the world have these massive assets.