Italy could deploy world's first nuclear carrier for 6th-gen fighters

Italy plans to begin studying the development of its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, known as the Portaerei di Nuova Generazione (New Generation Aircraft Carrier), starting in 2026. This initiative is part of a long-term modernization plan for the Italian Navy extending to 2040. The envisioned carrier will feature nuclear propulsion, electromagnetic catapults (EMALS), advanced cyber-protected systems, and full integration of manned and unmanned platforms. The design phase is currently under evaluation, with the Italian Navy aiming to incorporate enhanced cyber defense and unmanned system capabilities in all new vessels. The new carrier is intended to operate sixth-generation fighter jets, with potential aircraft options including the US-built F-35C, a future US Navy sixth-generation fighter, or a navalized variant of the trinational Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). This vessel would complement Italy’s existing carriers, Cavour and Trieste, which currently operate F-35B fighters. The feasibility studies for the carrier will be