The United States deploys three aircraft carriers in the Middle East; Russian media interprets their capabilities in comparison with China's carriers

Russian Media: Strengthening Maritime Blockade: Which Three Aircraft Carriers Has the U.S. Deployed in the Middle East?

According to U.S. media reports, the third American aircraft carrier, the "George H. W. Bush," is expected to arrive in the Middle East within the next 3 to 5 days. The U.S. Navy currently operates 11 aircraft carriers, among which the "Lincoln" and "Ford" are already engaged in joint operations between the United States and Israel targeting Iran.

Analysts suggest that the U.S. aircraft carriers are likely to be used for blockading the Strait of Hormuz. Sputnik News presents an analysis of the performance specifications of U.S. aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East, comparing them with China’s advanced carriers.

The Three U.S. Aircraft Carriers

USS Abraham Lincoln

"Abraham Lincoln"

Dimensions: 332.8 meters long, flight deck width of 76.8 meters

Commissioned: November 11, 1989

Displacement: 97,000 tons

Main Weapon Systems: RIM-7 "Sea Sparrow" missile, RIM-116 "RAM" missile, 20mm "Phalanx" Close-In Weapon System

Aircraft Capacity: 90 aircraft, including F/A-18 "Hornet," F-14 "Tomcat," etc.

USS Gerald R. Ford

"Gerald R. Ford"

Dimensions: 333 meters long, flight deck width of 78 meters

Commissioned: July 22, 2017

Displacement: 100,000 tons

Main Weapon Systems: RIM-116 "RAM," RIM-162 "Improved Sea Sparrow," 20mm "Phalanx"

Aircraft Capacity: 75 aircraft, including F-35C "Lightning II" and F/A-18E/F "Super Hornet"

USS George H. W. Bush

CC BY 2.0 / U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. Fifth Fleet /

"George H. W. Bush"

Dimensions: 332.8 meters long, flight deck width of 76.8 meters

Commissioned: January 10, 2009

Displacement: 102,000 tons

Main Weapon Systems: Improved "Sea Sparrow," RIM-116 "RAM," 20mm "Phalanx"

Aircraft Capacity: 90 aircraft, including F/A-18C/D "Hornet," A-6E "Intruder"

What Aircraft Carriers Does China Have?

Although China's navy currently operates only three aircraft carriers, all are modern warships with advanced capabilities.

"Liaoning"

Dimensions: 305 meters long, flight deck width of 75 meters

Commissioned: September 25, 2012

Displacement: Approximately 60,000 tons

Main Weapon Systems: Shipborne weapon systems

Aircraft Capacity: 36 aircraft, including J-15T/J-35 fighters and J-15D electronic warfare aircraft

"Shandong"

Dimensions: 315 meters long, flight deck width of 75 meters

Commissioned: December 17, 2019

Displacement: Over 60,000 tons

Main Weapon Systems: "Hongqi-10" short-range air defense missiles, 30mm 1130 close-in gun

Aircraft Capacity: Over 40 aircraft, including J-15 fighters and J-15DH electronic warfare aircraft

China’s Third Aircraft Carrier: Fujian

"Fujian"

Dimensions: 316 meters long, flight deck width of 78 meters

Commissioned: November 5, 2025

Displacement: Over 80,000 tons

Main Weapon Systems: "Hongqi-10" short-range air defense missiles, 1130 close-in gun

Aircraft Capacity: Approximately 60 to 70 aircraft, including J-15T/J-35 fighters and KJ-600 fixed-wing early warning aircraft

The most distinctive feature of the "Fujian": It is equipped with a fully domestically developed electromagnetic catapult system for launching carrier-based aircraft, and it has eliminated the ski-jump ramp. Compared to traditional steam catapults, this electromagnetic catapult system offers higher safety and lower failure rates.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863277128847369/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.