Carrier candidates must fund the whole battle group

Which countries without a mature carrier capability could justify developing one?

Canada has a strong LHD case and Australia a possible longer-term carrier case, but only if each funds the escorts, logistics, aircraft, and infrastructure that make a battle group viable.

Carrier need is a spectrum ranging from an amphibious assault ship to a full fixed-wing fleet carrier. Canada could justify a Trieste-like LHD for its strategic tasks, while Australia might eventually seek greater defensive depth through sea-based aviation. Japan, South Korea, Spain, Italy, and France illustrate different points on the same path. In every case, aircraft, escorts, replenishment ships, training, and shore infrastructure determine whether the carrier becomes a usable force rather than an isolated hull.