Russia building 'world's biggest aircraft carrier' to compete with US
Shtorm will reportedly be able to carry up to 90 combat aircraft and could cost up to $17.5bn (£13.6bn) - and will reportedly be so big it will have its own postcode
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Russia is reportedly planning to build the “world’s biggest aircraft carrier” in a bid to bolster its defences and compete with American Nimitz-class ships.
The Shtorm craft will be able to carry up to 90 combat aircraft and could cost up to $17.5bn (£13.6bn), according to state media.
Known as Project 23E000E, the craft could be ready for use by 2030. However whether it will indeed be the world’s largest carrier, as Russia has claimed, has been disputed.
Its specifications appear to be similar to America’s Nimitz-class ships, and one expert told Russian media the ship will be based on a design for American carrier USS Gerald R Ford.
According to models, the new carrier’s deck will be the size of three football fields and be able to house 4,000 crew members.
Currently Russians rely on the Admiral Kuznetsov carrier, launched in 1985. However, its capabilities pale in comparison to the Shtorm craft.
The carrier can only transport 30 aircraft and is powered by steam propulsion engines - the new ship will be nuclear-powered.
The vessel will be so large it will reportedly have its own postcode.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments