While heavier fixed-wing aircraft such as airlifters, gunships and bombers have been launched from aircraft carriers, these aircraft do not often land on a carrier due to flight deck limitations.

What is an aircraft carrier? An aircraft carrier is a naval vessel from which airplanes may take off and land. Basically, an aircraft carrier is an airfield at sea.

Jan 1, 2026 · Although the US Navy has 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in active service, only around half are deployed at any given time—with the rest in port or undergoing maintenance.

Aug 18, 2025 · There are currently 11 U.S. aircraft carriers in active service. China, the country with the second largest aircraft carrier fleet, only has three. No NATO member besides the U.S. has more...

Feb 27, 2025 · Aircraft carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea and engage in sustained power projection...

3 days ago · As of 2025, only a handful of nations possess operational aircraft carriers, and even fewer can launch fixed-wing jets from catapults or ski-jump runways. Let’s explore the current state of …

Learn about aircraft carriers, their history, types like CATOBAR and STOVL, and their pivotal role in naval power projection.