World’s First Purpose-Built Carrier: the Hōshō

The United States Navy is the world's largest operator of aircraft carriers, with 11 nuclear-powered carriers. China has made significant advances in its naval aviation capabilities, alarming U.S. officials. Beijing's progress in aircraft carrier development was boosted when it acquired the retired HMAS Melbourne from Australia and later the partially completed Soviet Navy carrier Varyag from Ukraine. These efforts led to China's first operational carrier, the Liaoning, and two domestically built carriers. Conversely, Iran has entered the carrier arena using innovative means, converting a cargo ship into a helicopter and UAV carrier, enhancing its naval capabilities.

Japan's naval history is longstanding, with its Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) rapidly rising to power after the Meiji Restoration. The IJN aimed to achieve parity with major powers and included carriers in its strategy. When construction on the tanker Hiryu began, Japan pivoted to creating a carrier, influenced by the UK's HMS Hermes and with British assistance, resulting in the launch of Hōshō, meaning "Phoenix Flying." As the world's first purpose-built carrier, Hōshō played a foundational role in Japan's naval aviation, despite being rudimentary, ultimately influencing future IJN carriers like Akagi and Ryūjō.

World’s First Purpose-Built Carrier: the Hōshō - The Armory Life