USS Abraham Lincoln Headed Toward Iran: How Destructive Is America’s Nuclear Aircraft Carrier and Where Does India’s INS Vikrant Stand?

Washington: The U.S. has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group toward the Middle East, raising concerns that military action against Iran could occur at any moment. The carrier, currently en route, is expected to take at least a week to reach Middle Eastern waters from its previous location in the South China Sea, where it conducted recent fire drills.

A Colossal Force at Sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln is one of the most powerful aircraft carriers in the world, powered by nuclear energy. Part of the Nimitz-class, it operates alongside a complete Carrier Strike Group that includes guided-missile cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and supply ships, forming a massive naval fleet.

Its air wing is the ship’s greatest strength, capable of launching F/A-18 Super Hornets, F-35 stealth fighters, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye surveillance planes, and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters. With these assets, the carrier can project power across land, sea, and air in any theater of conflict.

Specifications and Cost
The USS Abraham Lincoln measures 333 meters in length, displaces over 100,000 tons, and is powered by two nuclear reactors that allow it to operate for 20–25 years without refueling. Approximately 5,000 personnel—including Navy and Air Force crew—serve onboard, supported by advanced radar, air defense, missile systems, and command-and-control networks, effectively making it a floating fortress. U.S. media reports estimate its construction cost at $4.5–5 billion, not accounting for maintenance, operations, and refueling.

Comparison with India’s INS Vikrant
India currently operates two aircraft carriers, including the indigenous INS Vikrant. While INS Vikrant costs around $3 billion, displaces 45,000 tons, and operates on conventional fuel, USS Abraham Lincoln is far larger and nuclear-powered. The American carrier can deploy approximately 90 aircraft, whereas INS Vikrant carries 30–35 fighter jets and helicopters. Despite the disparity in scale and firepower, INS Vikrant plays a crucial role in India’s naval strategy in the Indian Ocean region.

A Historic Combat Record
USS Abraham Lincoln has participated in major U.S. military campaigns, including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and is routinely deployed in West Asia. The carrier is frequently seen in the South China Sea as a counterbalance to Chinese influence. Historically, it has played key roles in U.S. operations, including the 2011 address by President Barack Obama to troops onboard following the Osama bin Laden operation.

With its current deployment toward Iran, the USS Abraham Lincoln once again underscores the United States’ capacity for rapid, decisive military action in global hotspots.