Cavour vs Juan Carlos I
Cavour vs Juan Carlos I at a glance — displacement 30,000 vs 26,000 tons, length 244 vs 230 m, speed 29 vs 21 knots, crew 486 vs 261.
| Cavour | Juan Carlos I | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇪🇸 Spain |
| Category | Aircraft carrier | Amphibious vessel |
| Type | Aircraft carrier | Amphibious assault ship |
| Manufacturer | Fincantieri | Navantia |
| Year introduced | 2008 | 2010 |
| Number built | 1 unit | 4 units |
| Estimated unit price | $1,466 million | $600 million |
| Displacement | 30,000 tons | 26,000 tons |
| Maximum speed | 29.0 knots | 21.0 knots |
| Range | 7,000 nm at 16 knots | 9,000 nm at 15 knots |
| Length | 244.0 m | 230.8 m |
| Beam | 39.0 m | 32.0 m |
| Crew | 486 | 261 |
| Cavour | Juan Carlos I | |
|---|---|---|
| Armament |
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| Propulsion | COGAG scheme – 2 × shafts – 4 × General Electric/Avio LM2500+ gas turbines providing 88,000 kW (118,000 bhp) – 6 × diesel generators Wärtsila CW 12V200 13,200 kW (17,700 bhp) | 2 × 11 MW POD, GE ITP LM2500 + Navantia MAN 16V32/40 |
Detailed Comparison
The Italian Navy’s Cavour functions as a dedicated STOVL aircraft carrier (CVH) with secondary amphibious capabilities, while the Spanish Navy’s Juan Carlos I acts as a landing helicopter dock (LHD) designed to replace both tank landing ships and a light carrier. Commissioned in 2008 and 2010 respectively, Cavour serves as Italy's fleet flagship focused on sea control and air superiority, whereas Juan Carlos I prioritizes amphibious assault and strategic transport via a stern well deck, a feature absent on the Italian vessel.
Development and Design
Constructed by Fincantieri, Cavour displaces 27,100 tons with a length of 244 meters. Its design emphasizes military survivability and sustained aviation operations, reflected in a procurement cost of $1.466 billion. The vessel integrates a hangar capable of housing main battle tanks, accessed via ramps, but lacks a well deck for waterborne landing craft deployment.
Navantia built the Juan Carlos I for $600 million, utilizing commercial construction standards to reduce costs. It displaces 26,000 tons and measures 230.82 meters. The design features a ski-jump ramp and a dual-level hangar/garage configuration, including a stern well deck for amphibious vehicles. This modular design achieved export success, serving as the basis for Australia's Canberra-class and Turkey’s TCG Anadolu.
Weapons and Sensors
Cavour carries a robust defensive suite appropriate for a capital ship, including four 8-cell Sylver A-43 launchers for 32 Aster 15 surface-to-air missiles. Close-in defense is provided by two OTO Melara 76/62mm Strales guns and three 25mm cannons. The sensor package includes a long-range 3D radar and mine avoidance sonar.
Conversely, Juan Carlos I relies on a minimal self-defense capability, consisting of four 12.7mm machine guns and four Sentinel 2.0 remote weapon stations. While the hull includes provisions for a Vertical Launch System (VLS) and point defense missiles (BPDMS), these systems are currently "fitted for but not with" (FBNW).
Propulsion and Performance
The Italian carrier utilizes a COGAG (Combined Gas and Gas) arrangement with four General Electric/Avio LM2500+ turbines, generating 88,000 kW. This allows Cavour to reach 29 knots, essential for wind-over-deck aviation operations.
The Spanish vessel employs diesel-electric propulsion connected to azimuthal pods, a configuration that maximizes internal volume and maneuverability but limits top speed to 21 knots. However, Juan Carlos I offers a superior operational range of 9,000 nm at 15 knots, compared to Cavour’s 7,000 nm at 16 knots. Cavour requires a larger crew of 486, nearly double the 261 personnel required for the Spanish ship.
Deployment and Combat Record
Cavour completed modernization in 2020 to operate the F-35B Lightning II, conducting integration trials with the US Navy in 2021. It deployed to the Indo-Pacific in 2024, engaging in large-force exercises with the Indian Navy.
Juan Carlos I currently operates AV-8B Harriers and heavy-lift helicopters like the Chinook. Although technically capable of hosting F-35Bs, the Spanish government ruled out purchasing the aircraft in 2025. Consequently, the ship's fixed-wing capability is projected to end around 2030 with the retirement of the Harrier fleet.
Conclusion
Cavour represents a specialized, high-speed aviation platform with organic area-defense capabilities, tailored for 5th-generation fighter operations. Juan Carlos I offers a cost-efficient, multi-role amphibious solution with greater range and cargo versatility, though it lacks the speed, defensive armament, and future-proofed aviation wing of its Italian counterpart.