All articles tagged with #aircraft carriers
China aims to have nine aircraft carriers by 2035, tripling its current fleet and marking the largest carrier buildup in the Indo-Pacific since WWII, with significant advancements in carrier technology and naval capabilities, according to a US Defense Department report.
The article discusses the strategic importance and global rivalry centered around aircraft carriers, highlighting China's recent launch of the Fujian, the US's advanced USS Gerald R Ford, and the limited capabilities of Russia's navy, illustrating how these ships serve as symbols of power projection despite evolving threats and conflicts.
The US Navy's USS George Washington and the UK Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales met in the Timor Sea for joint operations during Talisman Sabre 2025, marking the first time these carriers operated together in this exercise since 2005. The event showcased advanced naval capabilities, including F-35 fighter jets, with participation from multiple allied nations, and is part of ongoing strategic deployments in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US is increasing its military presence in the Middle East by deploying an additional aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, to join the USS Carl Vinson, amid escalating tensions and conflict between Israel and Iran, while also repositioning forces in Europe and the Mediterranean to support regional security and protect assets.
Chinese fighter jets flew dangerously close to Japanese patrol planes over the Pacific, with incidents involving J-15 jets and Japanese P-3C aircraft, amid China's deployment of two aircraft carriers in the region. Japan and the US expressed concern over China's assertive military activities, which Beijing claims are routine and lawful, heightening tensions in East Asia.
China has deployed two aircraft carriers into the Pacific for joint military exercises east of Iwo Jima, marking a significant step in its naval expansion and strategic ambitions beyond the First Island Chain, with implications for regional and US-China military dynamics.
China has deployed two aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, into the Pacific Ocean for the first time to conduct joint exercises beyond Japan, demonstrating its growing naval power and ability to challenge U.S. and Japanese influence in the region.
The US Navy plans to deploy at least five aircraft carriers in the western Pacific this year, signaling a clear message to China about its military presence in the region. This move is seen as a demonstration of Washington's commitment to its allies and a warning to Beijing amid escalating tensions in hot spots such as the East and South China seas, as well as Taiwan. The deployment coincides with China's territorial disputes with US partners and its strategic military maneuvers in the region.
The United States is expected to deploy nearly half of its aircraft carriers to the western Pacific to counter China's and North Korea's belligerence, with five carriers anticipated to operate in the region for the first time. Tensions have been escalating, with the US expanding its presence in response to territorial disputes and North Korea's missile tests. The strategic importance of the region is underscored by the US commitment, despite ongoing conflicts elsewhere, as China's expansion and intimidation in the Indo-Pacific continue to raise concerns.
The US Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted a joint naval exercise in the Philippine Sea, involving the aircraft carriers Carl Vinson and Ronald Reagan, along with the Japanese helicopter-destroyer JS Hyuga. The exercise aimed to demonstrate the allies' ability to quickly mass forces during crises. The training missions included air defense drills, sea surveillance, defensive air counter tactics, and coordinated maneuvers. The exercise also focused on improving interoperability between the US and Japanese forces. This marks the second occasion in a few days that US Navy aircraft carriers have conducted joint exercises, highlighting the importance of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Two US Navy aircraft carriers, the Gerald R. Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with about 11,000 personnel, conducted a three-day exercise in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, showcasing their strength and practicing missile defense. The exercise coincided with high-level diplomacy efforts aimed at preventing a wider war in the Middle East. The show of force sends a message to Iran, Russia, and China, while also reassuring allies and deterring antagonists. The naval activity occurred during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's talks with Middle East leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and efforts to ease Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
The United States may deploy a second aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, to the eastern Mediterranean near Israel as fighting intensifies between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The deployment, along with the USS Gerald R Ford and its strike group already ordered to the region, would signal strong U.S. military support for Israel. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will review the deployment plans, considering the balance of maritime capability across theaters in support of national security priorities. The move to potentially have two aircraft carriers in the same area is rare and could strain the Navy's resources.
British aircraft carriers, such as the Queen Elizabeth-class, have two separate islands to accommodate redundant engine compartments and maximize flight deck space. The smaller islands allow for independent exhaust and air intake systems, reducing wind turbulence and enabling the construction of each unit off-site. Mounting powerful radar systems on each island also reduces interference. While navigation and aircraft operations are handled from separate islands, communication is facilitated through intercoms. Two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, currently employ this design.
The Chinese PLA Navy released a celebration video ahead of its 74th founding anniversary, showcasing its military hardware, including homemade aircraft carriers, destroyers, and early warning aircraft. The video also highlighted the country's resolution to shatter secessionist forces on Taiwan and safeguard national sovereignty. The Jiaolong Commandos, the toughest unit in the marine corps, were shown carrying out infiltration missions behind enemy lines, indicating that they could be the first combat forces in any landing operation.
The US Navy's latest long-range shipbuilding plan includes the decommissioning of two nuclear aircraft carriers, the USS Nimitz and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the sale of two Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships to foreign militaries. The plan also clarifies that the Navy only needs 15 Independence-class ships for mine countermeasure missions, leading to the decommissioning of USS Jackson and USS Montgomery. The Navy is conducting a Battle Force Ship Assessment and Requirement Report to inform future shipbuilding plans.