Summary
Turkey is constructing its first home-built aircraft carrier, joining a select group of NATO nations with this capability. This positions Turkey among traditional naval powers, with other NATO countries like the U.S., U.K., France, and Italy already operating advanced carriers. These carriers serve various roles, including military operations and global deployments.
Key Facts
- Turkey is building its first home-built aircraft carrier, part of the MUGEM class, which will carry drones.
- The USS Gerald R. Ford from the U.S. is the world's largest aircraft carrier, planned to replace the older Nimitz class.
- The U.S. commissioned the USS Gerald R. Ford in 2017; it was integrated into NATO in 2022.
- The U.K. has two Queen Elizabeth class carriers used in U.S.-led operations and deployed globally.
- France's FS Charles De Gaulle joined international operations after 9/11, displacing 42,000 tons.
- Italy's ITS Cavour class, operating F-35B jets, acts as a multipurpose ship, including as a hospital ship.
- Turkey's aircraft carrier development involves cooperation with Spain and focuses on drone technology.
