What does it take to dominate the world’s oceans? The size and strength of a nation’s navy often reflect its global influence and military might. From colossal fleets to cutting-edge technology, the largest navies in the world safeguard national interests and shape maritime dominance, showcasing unparalleled power on the high seas.
List of the Top 10 Largest Navy in the World
- China
- Russia
- North Korea
- United States of America
- Sweden
- Indonesia
- Italy
- India
- Thailand
- Sri Lanka
Disclaimer: Best Diplomats is not an expert in this particular field. The data is taken from Jagran Josh.
1. China
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is one of the biggest and fastest-growing naval forces in the world, which is indicative of the nation’s notable ascent to prominence in the international arena. With a fleet of some 730 warships, comprising destroyers, frigates, aircraft carriers, submarines, and other auxiliary vessels, the PLAN is modernizing and growing its capabilities at a rapid pace.
China’s aircraft carriers are essential to this expansion. China’s first carriers are the Liaoning, a converted Soviet-era ship, and the Shandong, a local construction. One of China’s main goals for its blue-water military is to be able to project force far from its coast, and these carriers help with that.
Advanced destroyers such as the Type 055, one of the biggest and most heavily equipped destroyers in the world, are part of the PLAN’s surface fleet. With the addition of advanced radar, anti-aircraft, anti-ship, and anti-submarine weaponry, China’s maritime combat capabilities have been greatly strengthened. In addition, the navy deploys a sizable number of frigates, corvettes, and Type 052D destroyers, which serve as adaptable platforms for a range of mission types.
2. Russia
The Russian Navy is still among the biggest and most powerful naval forces in the world, having inherited a sizable chunk of its fleet from the Soviet Union. The Russian Navy possesses over 598 warships, mostly destroyers and cruisers, and one of the biggest fleets of submarines in the world. It is a major maritime force, especially in the North Atlantic and Arctic.
The Russian Navy’s formidable fleet of submarines, particularly its nuclear-powered assault submarines (SSNs) and strategic ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), forms its core. The Borei-class and Yasen-class submarines, which are outfitted with modern missile systems and stealth technologies, stand as the embodiment of Russia’s underwater capabilities. Russia’s nuclear deterrent policy relies heavily on these submarines to enable it to project power and sustain a credible second-strike capacity.
Along with the strength of its military, the Russian Navy safeguards the country’s interests by exploring the Arctic and guarding the northern sea lanes, which are becoming more accessible as a result of climate change. The deployment of icebreakers and the construction of new bases in the Arctic demonstrate the emphasis on Arctic capabilities.
3. North Korea
North Korea’s Korean People’s Navy (KPN) possesses around 519 warships. The bulk of these ships, however, are tiny coastal patrol boats and submarines that are more suited for guerilla warfare and coastal defense than for blue-water operations.
About 70 submarines make up the KPN’s submarine fleet, which serves as its backbone (as per the last available data). Small coastal submarines and bigger, more powerful versions, such as the Sinpo-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBs), are among them. The latter are a key part of North Korea’s deterrent policy and reflect its strategic focus on building a credible second-strike capability. By deploying these submarines, North Korea is demonstrating its commitment to asymmetric warfare and its capacity to intimidate enemies with ballistic missiles launched from below.
The majority of North Korea’s surface fleet is made up of patrol boats, missile boats, corvettes, and light frigates. These ships are built to operate in the littoral zones surrounding the Korean Peninsula, using their numbers and speed to outmaneuver more powerful opponents in coastal conflicts. In keeping with its emphasis on possible amphibious operations in regional wars, the KPN also operates a variety of amphibious landing boats.
The KPN’s limited blue-water capabilities, lack of modern technology, and old equipment pose serious challenges despite its size. By today’s standards, the majority of its ships are antiquated, and the Navy faces difficulties with operational readiness and maintenance.
4. United States of America
The United States Navy (USN) is the biggest and most potent naval force on the planet, possessing unmatched operational capacity and worldwide reach. With more than 90,000 active members and a fleet of around 484 warships, the USN is essential to both American force projection and national security.
The USN’s fleet of eleven nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, which includes the cutting-edge Gerald R. Ford class and the Nimitz class, is a key component of military supremacy at sea. These carriers act as mobile air bases with unparalleled adaptability and striking capability, enabling the deployment of air forces anywhere on the globe. A powerful maritime force is formed when destroyers, cruisers, and submarines accompany each carrier in a strike group.
About 70 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and 22 Ticonderoga-class cruisers, both outfitted with the Aegis Combat System, make up the USN’s surface force. Capable of offering great air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and ballistic missile defense, this system includes sophisticated radar and missile systems. Furthermore, in coastal areas, the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) offer flexibility and agility.
Another vital element is the USN’s submarine force, which consists of a combination of swift attack (SSN) and ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). The Virginia-class SSNs offer stealth, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities, while the Ohio-class SSBNs are an essential component of the US nuclear deterrent.
5. Sweden
The Swedish Navy is a highly skilled and technologically sophisticated naval force that is renowned for its expertise in coastal defense and anti-submarine warfare, even though it does not have the largest fleet in the world. The defense of Sweden’s long coastline and the vital Baltic Sea region is the navy’s primary mission. It possesses 367 warships.
The Swedish Navy’s submarine fleet is a key component of its capabilities. Because of their sophisticated air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, which enable them to operate covertly for lengthy periods, the Gotland-class submarines are especially remarkable. These submarines, which provide Sweden with considerable undersea combat capabilities, are regarded as some of the most sophisticated non-nuclear submarines in the world.
The centerpiece of the surface fleet is the Visby-class corvette, which is well-known for its cutting-edge weaponry and covert architecture. These corvettes are ideal for the complicated maritime environment of the Baltic Sea since they are multipurpose and outfitted for mine-laying, anti-submarine, and anti-surface missions. Because of their stealth characteristics, the Visby-class is more survivable and successful in contemporary naval combat.
The Swedish navy also possesses a number of amphibious and support ships, as well as swift assault vessels intended for rapid reaction and adaptability in coastal operations. The amphibious units, including the minelayers and corvettes of the Carlskrona class and the Stockholm class, significantly improve Sweden’s capacity to carry out a variety of maritime operations.
6. Indonesia
As the biggest archipelagic state in the world, Indonesia is home to one of the largest and most strategically vital naval forces in Southeast Asia: the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL). The TNI-AL, with its vast maritime domain and more than 17,000 islands, is essential to preserving national sovereignty, protecting sea routes, and promoting stability in the area.
With over 324 warships in its fleet, the Indonesian Navy has a varied force that includes amphibious ships, quick-attack vessels, submarines, corvettes, and frigates. A valuable asset is the Martadinata-class frigates, which are outfitted with cutting-edge radar and missile systems for both surface and air defense. Indonesia can now project power inside its maritime borders and improve its blue-water capabilities thanks to these warships. A vital part of the TNI-AL are submarines, of which the Nagapasa-class (a South Korean Type 209 derivative) has sophisticated underwater capabilities. For anti-submarine warfare, information collection, and preserving a strategic deterrent in the area, these diesel-electric submarines are indispensable.
The Indonesian Navy prioritizes amphibious and logistical operations in addition to its surface and subsurface combatants. Rapid troop and equipment deployment is made possible by the Makassar-class landing platform docks, aiding military and humanitarian missions throughout Indonesia’s enormous archipelago.
7. Italy
Protecting Italy’s strategic interests and maritime history, the Italian Navy (Marina Militare) is among the biggest and most proficient naval forces in the Mediterranean. With over 313 warships in its fleet, the Marina Militare is a cutting-edge, adaptable force that can both project power and maintain maritime security.
Aircraft carriers, especially the Cavour, a contemporary aircraft carrier with a flight deck and the ability to pilot F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, are essential to the Italian Navy’s capabilities. Italy can now project airpower and carry out amphibious operations more effectively thanks to this warship. Horizon-class and Bergamini-class (FREMM) frigates, which are outfitted with cutting-edge radar, missile systems, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, are part of the surface fleet. These frigates are vital for participating in NATO missions, executing cooperative operations, and defending Italy’s maritime interests.
The Todaro-class (Type 212A) submarines that make up Italy’s submarine fleet are some of the most sophisticated in the world. Because of their air-independent propulsion systems, these submarines can operate underwater for longer periods of time and have better stealth qualities. They are essential to Italy’s strategic deterrent, information gathering, and underwater warfare operations.
A variety of amphibious and support vessels, including the San Giorgio-class landing platform docks, are also operated by the Italian Navy. These vessels enable the quick deployment of personnel and supplies for both military and humanitarian missions.
8. India
As a major regional and perhaps global power, India is reflected in the size and capability of its naval forces, which rank among the best in the world. The Indian Navy is a vital component of the country’s maritime security, protecting its extensive coastline and marine commerce routes. Its fleet consists of over 295 warships, including destroyers, frigates, aircraft carriers, submarines, and auxiliary boats.
Aircraft carriers form the foundation of the Indian Navy’s capabilities. The INS Vishal, India’s next-generation aircraft carrier, is being developed. It will be nuclear-powered and equipped to operate modern carrier-based aircraft. The country currently operates the INS Vikramaditya, a modified Kiev-class carrier, and the locally built INS Vikrant. The surface fleet consists of Shivalik-class frigates and destroyers of the Kolkata class, which are outfitted with cutting-edge sensor suites, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and missile systems. With the help of these ships, India can retain maritime control and exert influence throughout the Indian Ocean area thanks to its powerful surface warfare capabilities.
An essential part of India’s naval force is also its fleet of submarines, which is made up of both conventional and nuclear engines. While the Scorpene-class and earlier Sindhughosh-class submarines improve India’s underwater warfare capabilities, the INS Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) give the country a viable sea-based nuclear deterrent.
9. Thailand
Despite not having the largest fleet, Thailand’s maritime interests and its vast coastline and maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are well protected by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). The RTN maintains a flexible force that can handle a variety of marine difficulties with a fleet of about 292 warships.
The core strength of the Royal Thai Navy’s capabilities is its fleet of frigates, which includes ships like the HTMS Phutthayotfa Chulalok-class and the Naresuan-class. Thailand is able to defend its territorial seas and exclusive economic zone because of these frigates’ anti-submarine warfare capabilities, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, and sophisticated sensor suites. Thailand’s submarine fleet will grow as a result of acquiring Chinese submarines, especially the Type 039B Yuan-class. The RTN will be able to carry out surveillance, reconnaissance, and deterrent operations in the area thanks to the improved underwater warfare capabilities brought forth by these submarines.
The Royal Thai Navy’s capacity to carry out maritime surveillance, interdiction, and search and rescue operations is enhanced by the use of patrol boats, mine warfare ships, amphibious assault vessels, and maritime patrol aircraft, in addition to its surface and subsurface capabilities.
10. Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) is a vital marine force that the island country of Sri Lanka, which is strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, relies upon to protect its maritime boundaries, secure its sea lanes, and counteract maritime threats. Despite not being one of the biggest navies in the world, the SLN is essential to maintaining national security and defending Sri Lanka’s maritime interests. It possesses 275 warships.
The fleet of the Sri Lanka Navy is diversified, consisting of patrol boats, quick assault craft, support ships, and offshore patrol vessels. Protecting Sri Lanka’s territorial seas and exclusive economic zone, as well as maritime law enforcement and surveillance, are the main responsibilities of these warships. In recent years, the SLN has concentrated on improving its capacity to combat asymmetric threats, including smuggling, piracy, and maritime terrorism. Additionally, it has been instrumental in the fight against illicit fishing and drug trafficking in Sri Lankan waterways.
Aerial reconnaissance and maritime patrol capabilities offered by maritime surveillance aircraft and helicopters bolster the SLN’s fleet by expanding the navy’s operational area and efficacy in identifying and countering maritime threats.
| Rank | Country | Warships | Military Spending |
| 1 | China | 730 | 292 billion |
| 2 | Russia | 598 | 86 billion |
| 3 | North Korea | 519 | N/A |
| 4 | USA | 484 | 877 billion |
| 5 | Sweden | 367 | 8 billion |
| 6 | Indonesia | 324 | 9 billion |
| 7 | Italy | 313 | 33 billion |
| 8 | India | 295 | 78 billion |
| 9 | Thailand | 292 | 6 billion |
| 10 | Sri Lanka | 275 | 1 billion |
Conclusion
Which navy stands out as the ultimate maritime force? The largest navies in the world continue to evolve, blending advanced technology with unmatched scale. As nations compete for oceanic supremacy, these naval powers not only protect borders but also shape international dynamics, ensuring that the seas remain a critical frontier of global influence.
FAQs
Who Has the Strongest Navies in the World?
China has the strongest navies in the world with 730 warships and approximately 292 billion USD spent on the military.
Which Is the 3 Largest Navy in the World?
The top 3 largest navies in the world are:
- China
- Russia
- North Korea
Is China’s Navy Larger Than the US?
Yes, China has 730 warships while the United States of America has 454 warships. However, the United States has 2,464 navy aircraft while China has 437.
What Are the Top 10 Largest Warships in the World?
The top 10 largest warships in the world are:
- USS Enterprise
- Gerald R. Ford
- Nimitz
- Kitty Hawk
- Forrestal
- John F. Kennedy
- Fujian
- Shandong
- Midway
- Kuznetsov
Who Are the Top 10 Powerful Navies in the World?
According to Global Naval Powers Rankings 2024, these are the top 10 most powerful navies in the world:
- United States Navy
- People’s Liberation Army Navy
- Russian Navy
- Indonesian Navy
- Republic of Korea Navy
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
- Indian Navy
- French Navy
- British Royal Navy
- Turkish Navy
Which Country Has the Largest Navies?
China has the largest navy in the world at the moment. The country has an astounding 730 warships to show.
Which Is the Largest Navy in the World?
China is the largest navy in the world. The country has spent 292 billion USD on its navy and has 730 warships.
Which is the Largest Navy Ship in the World?
The largest navy ship in the world is the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. Commissioned in 2017, it boasts a displacement of over 100,000 tons and cutting-edge technology. Its massive size and capabilities make it a cornerstone of naval power projection.
Which are the Top 5 Largest Navy in the World?
The top 5 largest navy in the world are as follows:
- China
- Russia
- North Korea
- USA
- Sweden
