US Navy's Ford-Class Carrier: This 1,00,000-Tonne Giant Can Sail 25 Years Without Fuel

Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 14:20 IST

Closely monitored through radar and satellite surveillance, the Ford-class is widely regarded as the most technologically advanced aircraft carrier currently in service

The ship is powered by two A1B nuclear reactors, which allow it to operate for 20-25 years without refueling and give it virtually unlimited operational range. (AP)

The USS Gerald R Ford, the lead ship of the US Navy’s Ford-class aircraft carriers, represents a major leap in naval aviation and power projection. With a displacement of nearly 1,00,000 tons, the carrier is designed to operate globally and serve as the centerpiece of US carrier strike groups.

Closely monitored by adversaries through radar and satellite surveillance, the Ford-class is widely regarded as the most technologically advanced aircraft carrier currently in service.

What Makes the Ford Class Unique?

The Ford class introduces several next-generation systems that distinguish it from earlier Nimitz-class carriers.

• Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS): Replacing traditional steam catapults, EMALS uses electromagnetic energy to launch aircraft. This allows for smoother launches, reduced stress on airframes, and greater flexibility for launching both manned aircraft and drones.
• Operational Capacity: The carrier is designed to support 160-220 aircraft sorties per day and can carry more than 75 aircraft, including F-35C Lightning II jets and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
• Automation and Crew Reduction: Advanced automation allows the Ford class to operate with 700-1,000 fewer personnel than the Nimitz class, significantly lowering long-term operating costs.
• A1B Nuclear Reactors: Two nuclear reactors provide virtually unlimited operational range and are designed to operate for 20-25 years without refueling.
• Dual Band Radar (DBR): An advanced radar system capable of detecting and tracking aircraft and missile threats at long distances.

Cost and Development

The USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78) is the most expensive warship ever built. Construction costs are estimated at approximately $13.3 billion, with an additional $5 billion spent on research and development. The ship took nearly 12 years from construction start to operational deployment.

Which Countries Operate Ford-Class Carriers?

Only the United States currently possesses Ford-class aircraft carriers. The US Navy plans to build 10 ships under this class.

• USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78): In active service
• USS John F Kennedy (CVN-79): Undergoing final testing
• USS Enterprise (CVN-80) and USS Doris Miller (CVN-81): Under construction

Strategic and Geopolitical Role

In global geopolitics, the Ford class is a key tool of US power projection.

• Indo-Pacific Strategy: The carrier plays a central role in countering China’s growing naval presence, particularly in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
• Carrier Strike Group Capability: A Ford-class carrier operates with a full strike group of destroyers, cruisers, and submarines, providing air defense, missile defense, and undersea warfare capabilities.

Is the Ford Class Prepared for Future Warfare?

Defense analysts continue to debate the survivability of large aircraft carriers in an era of hypersonic and anti-ship ballistic missiles. China and Russia have invested heavily in so-called “carrier-killer" weapons. However, the Ford class is equipped with layered missile defenses, electronic warfare systems, and is expected to integrate directed-energy (laser) weapons in the future.

Despite its high cost, the Ford class is expected to remain the backbone of the US Navy well into the next decade.

5 Important Questions About the Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier

1. Why is the Ford class different from other aircraft carriers in the world?

Answer: The key difference is the EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System). Unlike older carriers that use steam catapults, EMALS uses electromagnetic energy, allowing faster launch rates, reduced maintenance, and compatibility with both heavy fighter jets and lightweight drones.

2. What is the total cost of the ship and how long did it take to build?

Answer: The USS Gerald R Ford cost approximately $13.3 billion, with construction taking about 12 years. Including R&D expenses, it is considered the most expensive military platform ever developed.

3. Does the Ford-class aircraft carrier require fuel?

Answer: No conventional fuel is required. The ship is powered by two A1B nuclear reactors, which allow it to operate for 20-25 years without refueling and give it virtually unlimited operational range.

4. What kind of security systems does it have? Can it be sunk by missiles?

Answer: The carrier is protected by multiple layers of defense, including escort ships, submarines, advanced radar systems, surface-to-air missiles, and electronic warfare capabilities. While no ship is completely invulnerable, the Ford class is designed to counter modern missile threats as part of a carrier strike group.

5. What is the geopolitical significance of the Ford class?

Answer: The Ford class is a major instrument of US global influence. Its deployment can alter regional security dynamics, particularly in strategic areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, serving as a visible demonstration of American naval power.

News world US Navy's Ford-Class Carrier: This 1,00,000-Tonne Giant Can Sail 25 Years Without Fuel

Read More