Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Research Report By Vessel Displacement (0-25,000 tons, 25,000-50,000 tons, 50,000-75,000 tons, 75,000 tons and above), By Propulsion System (Conventional, Nuclear-powered), By Aircraft Type Carried (Fixed-wing aircraft, Rotary-wing aircraft, Unmanned aerial vehicles), By Hull Design (Conventional hull, Catamaran hull, Trimaran hull), By Mission Type (Offensive operations, Defensive operations, Support operations) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forec

Global Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Overview

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Size was estimated at 21.27 (USD Billion) in 2023.The Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Industry is expected to grow from 21.55 (USD Billion) in 2024 to 23.9 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Aircraft Carrier Ship Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 1.3% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

Key Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Trends Highlighted

The aircraft carrier ship market witnesses key drivers such as rising geopolitical tensions, increasing demand for sea-based defense capabilities, and advancements in shipbuilding technologies. Opportunities emerge in exploring partnerships with shipyards in emerging economies and catering to the growing demand for stealth technology on aircraft carriers.Recent trends in the market include the integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems into aircraft carrier operations, the development of multi-role carriers capable of operating both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and the emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency in ship design. These trends shape the market landscape, necessitating adaptability and innovation among industry players.

Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for Advanced Naval Capabilities

The growing geopolitical tensions and the need of the countries to protect their maritime borders are, in general, the main drivers that are increasing the demand for advanced naval capabilities. In this regard, it is important to note that aircraft carriers may be considered an absolute naval imperative when it comes to power projection since they are a mobile launching pad for a number of other sea-bound operations, such as air strikes, reconnaissance, and operations as support for the naval forces.Given this fact, as the countries are modernizing their navies with an emphasis on their capacity to correspond to the current threats, the demand for aircraft carriers is increasing as well. Additionally, it should be noted that the growing demand for advanced naval capacities is related to the employment of new technologies, such as stealth technology and unmanned aerial vehicles, which are making aircraft carriers even more effective and versatile. As for the potential for growth, the increasing demand for aircraft carriers in the abovementioned countries is likely to create major opportunities for the aircraft carrier ship market, which makes producing such ships such a palatable option for the companies that are providing designing, manufacturing, and maintaining the carriers. Moreover, it is reasonable to assume that the growing demand will stimulate the development of new technologies and products, which is essential for the market as well.Some of the key players in the aircraft carrier ship market, such as Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding, and General Dynamics Electric Boat, already have significant experience in designing and constructing aircraft carriers, so it is likely that their role in the market will remain large.

Technological Advancements

The aircraft carrier ship market is benefiting from new technological advancements that make these ships more capable and efficient. A new kind of material is being used in the production of aircraft carriers – composite material. It is a light and strong material that is ideal to build faster and with even grater displacement and carrying capacities. The use of composite material helps to build a vessel capable of attracting five times greater tonnage than a traditional ship.Thus, the improvements ensure that the newfound capabilities of carriers will not be at the expense of such characteristics the vessels had before, such as speed and maneuvering. There are some other technological advancements that drive the market of aircraft carriers. For example, the new sensors and weapons make these vessels more effective in combat, as well as more difficult to detect and track. Thus, it is natural that these days, such vessels are increasingly important for countries that want to have a decent navy force.

Growing Demand for Naval Supremacy

Another aspect that contributes to the increase of the aircraft carrier ship market is the growing demand for naval supremacy. As more and more countries aim to enhance their naval forces and establish naval supremacy through demonstrating strength and military power to their potential nemeses, aircraft carriers are gaining more and more popularity. These ships are used to project and establish power, which is vital for any country to maintain its interests on the sea.As a result, this aspect can also be likely to boost the potential for growth. There is a notable demand for growing naval supremacy in the Asia-Pacific region the presence of naval forces is also required by the escalating tensions in the region and the necessity to control sea lanes that become vital for trade and commerce. In addition, new technologies, such as stealth technology and unmanned naval vessel vehicles, are likely to be developed and deployed shortly.Overall, the key implication is that the increasing demand drives the current aircraft carrier market.

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Segment Insights

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Vessel Displacement Insights

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market segmentation by Vessel Displacement includes 0-25,000 tons, 25,000-50,000 tons, 50,000-75,000 tons, and 75,000 tons and above. In 2023, the 50,000-75,000 tons segment is expected to see the largest aircraft carrier ship market share, accounting for around 45% of the Aircraft Carrier Ship Market revenue. The demand for mid-sized aircraft carriers is increasing due to the need for carriers that can be more versatile in terms of technological applications and operational advantages in a wide variety of aircraft carriers.The 75,000 tons and above segment is estimated to expand at a substantial growth rate during the forecast period. The development of a more potent navy is fuelling the demand for larger ships. In addition, due to the integration of advanced combat systems and electromagnetic aircraft launch systems, technological advancements are expected to support the growth of this segment.

Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Propulsion System Insights

The Propulsion System segment of the Aircraft Carrier Ship Market is bifurcated into Conventional and Nuclear-powered. The Conventional sub-segment is estimated to garner a market valuation of USD 12.3 billion by 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 1.5% during the forecast period. On the other hand, the Nuclear-powered sub-segment is projected to reach a market size of USD 10.7 billion by 2024, showcasing a CAGR of 1.7% over the same period. The dominance of the Conventional sub-segment can be attributed to its cost-effectiveness and widespread adoption in various countries.However, the Nuclear-powered sub-segment is gaining traction due to its superior performance, longer range, and reduced maintenance costs.

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Aircraft Type Carried Insights

The Aircraft Carrier Ship Market is segmented based on Aircraft Type Carried into Fixed-wing aircraft, Rotary-wing aircraft, and Unmanned aerial vehicles. The Fixed-wing aircraft segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023, owing to the increasing demand for fixed-wing aircraft for long-range strike missions and reconnaissance. The Rotary-wing aircraft segment is expected to witness a significant growth rate during the forecast period due to the growing need for rotary-wing aircraft for anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue operations.The Unmanned aerial vehicles segment is expected to experience a moderate growth rate during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Hull Design Insights

The Hull Design segment of the Aircraft Carrier Ship Market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period. Conventional hull design is projected to dominate the market, accounting for a significant share of the Aircraft Carrier Ship Market revenue in 2024. This is primarily due to its proven stability and reliability in various operating conditions. Catamaran hull design is gaining traction, particularly for aircraft carriers intended for littoral operations, due to its enhanced stability and maneuverability in shallow waters.Trimaran hull design, known for its increased speed and fuel efficiency, is anticipated to experience moderate growth in the Aircraft Carrier Ship Market. The market research indicates a growing demand for specialized hull designs tailored to specific operational requirements, leading to the development of innovative hull configurations.

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Mission Type Insights

The Aircraft Carrier Ship Market is segmented based on Mission Type into Offensive operations, Defensive operations, and Support operations. Among these segments, Offensive operations are expected to hold the largest market share of around 45% in 2024. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for aircraft carriers for offensive operations such as power projection, sea control, and strike missions. Defensive operations are expected to hold the second-largest market share of around 30% in 2024. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for aircraft carriers for defensive operations such as anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and escort missions.Support operations are expected to hold the smallest market share of around 25% in 2024. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for aircraft carriers for support operations such as logistics, medical evacuation, and command and control.

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Regional Insights

The regional segmentation of the Aircraft Carrier Ship Market offers valuable insights into the market's geographical distribution and growth dynamics. North America is projected to dominate the market with a revenue of USD 10.6 billion in 2024, attributed to the presence of major naval powers such as the United States and Canada. Europe follows closely with an estimated revenue of USD 6.5 billion, driven by technological advancements and modernization efforts in countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to exhibit significant growth, reaching a revenue of USD 4.2 billion by 2024, fueled by rising maritime tensions and investments in naval capabilities by countries like China, India, and Japan.South America, the Middle East, and Africa are expected to contribute modest revenue shares, with the former being influenced by Brazil's naval expansion plans and the latter by increasing defense spending in countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Key Players And Competitive Insights

Key players in the industry are continuously focusing on gaining a competitive advantage over competitors through the development of technologically advanced products and enhancing their presence. The industry of the Aircraft Carrier Ship Market exhibits a highly competitive business landscape, wherein prominent contenders are largely focused on gaining a competitive advantage over rivals. Leading Aircraft Carrier Ship Market contenders are implementing technologically advanced products and expansion endeavors to secure a leading position. The Aircraft Carrier Ship Market is characterized by constant innovation and advancement as vendors largely focus on enhancing their product capabilities and meeting evolving end-user needs. A number of factors contribute to the Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Competitive Landscape, among which are technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and product innovations.The foremost advantage of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. is due to the company’s status as a leader in the production of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The company boasts a long history of building and maintaining aircraft carriers for the US Navy and possesses developed specialized knowledge and technologically advanced products. Additionally, Huntington Ingalls Industries is a company with strong performance and a range of international projects, which further add to the competitive position of the company.General Atomics gained significant recognition in the industry by developing unmanned aerial systems. The company’s MQ-9 Reaper drone was widely used in a range of military operations and meets a number of needs, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. General Atomics demonstrates a commitment to constant innovation and update of the product line, which has shifted since the development of advanced technologies to develop unmanned aircraft systems. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with the major players in the industry play a significant role in the company’s competitive position.

Key Companies in the Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Include

• Fincantieri


• China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation


• HowaldtswerkeDeutsche Werft


• Babcock International


• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries


• ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems


• Newport News Shipbuilding


• General Dynamics Corporation


• Huntington Ingalls Industries


• Bremer Vulkan


• Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering


• Meyer Werft


• STX Europe

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Industry Developments

The recent geopolitical tensions and conflicts worldwide have highlighted the growing demand for advanced naval defense systems, including aircraft carrier ships. In 2023, the aircraft carrier ship market was valued at approximately USD 21.27 billion. Looking ahead, the market is projected to grow steadily at a CAGR of 1.3%, reaching a valuation of around USD 23.9 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by increasing investments in naval modernization programs, particularly in emerging economies like China and India. Additionally, technological advancements in ship design, propulsion systems, and armaments are expected to further enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of aircraft carrier ships.

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Segmentation Insights

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Vessel Displacement Outlook

• 0-25,000 tons


• 25,000-50,000 tons


• 50,000-75,000 tons


• 75,000 tons and above

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Propulsion System Outlook

• Conventional


• Nuclear-powered

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Aircraft Type Carried Outlook

• Fixed-wing aircraft


• Rotary-wing aircraft


• Unmanned aerial vehicles

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Hull Design Outlook

• Conventional hull


• Catamaran hull


• Trimaran hull

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Mission Type Outlook

• Offensive operations


• Defensive operations


• Support operations

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Regional Outlook

• North America


• Europe


• South America


• Asia Pacific


• Middle East and Africa

Aircraft Carrier Ship Market Report Scope