4. US America Class
This amphibious assault ship was the first of its kind to be built. It costs about US$3.4 billion and is capable of taking bigger aircraft on board as compared to the Wasp Class. Intended to replace the Tarawa Class amphibious assault ships, the America Class is the fourth ship in the US Navy to bear the name. Built by the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding for the US Navy, its design incorporates several modifications to complement aviation operations and support activities
3. Chinese Modified-Admiral Kuznetsov Class
The Chinese Modified-Admiral Kuznetsov Class is China’s first aircraft carrier. It was acquired from Russia. It belongs to the Kreml class group or the Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers.
These carriers were originally built for the Soviet Navy. One of the only members of this class- the Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov is in use today by the Russian Navy. The other one Varyag, was yet to be commissioned when the Soviet Union broke up in 1991.
It is from this unfinished ship that Chinese Modified-Admiral Kuznetsov Class was born. China bought the unfinished hull from Ukraine. The country then completed its construction process and commissioned it as Liaoning.
According to China, the ship was to be used privately as a casino. As it turned out, this was a mere cover story given during the time the Chinese Navy commissioned the Modified-Admiral Kuznetsov in 2012 and renamed it as Liaoning.
Mainly used for training, the vessel has a powerful defense and can carry up to 30 aircraft.
2. Brazilian Modified-Clemenceau Class
This aircraft carrier initially belonged to France. The French Navy used it from 1961 through 2000, after which Brazil bought it for US$12 million.
The Brazilian Modified-Clemenceau Class was France’s first successful aircraft carrier design following the 2nd World War. It’s remembered to have been the pillar of the French Fleet for the entire duration the country’s navy used it.
The warship was extensively renovated and is currently used by Brazilian Navy under the name of São Paulo. It can now carry up to 39 aircraft.
1. Indian Modified-Kiev Class
The Indian Modified-Kiev Class originally belonged to the Soviet in the 1980s.
India acquired the INS Vikramaditya ship for US$2.35 billion from the Soviet Union. The deal involved renovating the ship before Russia could finally hand it over to the Indian Navy. The ship was later fully commissioned in 2013 after being transformed into a complete aircraft carrier.
The Indian Modified-Kiev Class can carry approximately 36 aircraft and is one of only two aircraft carriers in the Indian Navy.
Sources For Further Reading:
Naval Technology – Gerald R Ford Class – US Navy CVN 21 Future Carrier Programme
USNI News – USS Gerald R. Ford Making Steady Progress Ahead of Deployment
National Interest – Can France Eventually Replace Its Single Aircraft Carrier?
The National Interest – Russia’s Kirov-Class Battlecruisers: A Modern ‘Battleship’?
The Diplomat – Reviewing India and China’s Aircraft Carrier Procurement
Medium – Vikramaditya: The Cursed Carrier?
History Collection – The Liberty Ships of World War II Turned the Tides of Fate