The Aircraft Carrier in the 21st Century

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The aircraft carrier in the 21st century continues to remain the most conspicuous symbolof a nation's maritime power. While, the number of carrier operating navies has risen fromjust three at the end of World War II to nine in the 21st century, the total number ofcarriers –in the same period –has declined from over 150 to less than 25 aircraft carriers.These citadels of maritime power are operated by a few select countries which includeBrazil, France, India, Italy, Russia, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates of America. China is expected to become the 10th member of this elite club shortly.Even though the aircraft carrier has proved to be a powerful and credible instrumentof state policy, it has always remained at the centre of controversy and debate over itsemployability and substantive advantage over lower-cost alternatives, in the evolvingbattlespace environment. Some of its critics have labeled the carrier as an expensive relicof outdated World War II thinking with limited chances of survivability in the face of keythreats like enhanced battlespace transparency, improved submarine capabilities, betteranti-ship missiles and the hazard from long-range shore-based strike aircraft to aircraftcarriers at sea.This book provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing debate over thecontinuing relevance, roles, missions and viability of aircraft carriers in the modernenvironment. It also includes an instructive perspective from the various carrier operatingnavies of the world and internationally acknowledged experts in the field over thecontinued salience of the carrier in the 21st century.