In this article, we look at five navies with the most submarines in the world. You can read about factors that enable the United States Navy to be the strongest in the world despite not topping the charts in terms of fleet size, by heading over to the 15 Navies with the Most Submarines in the World.
5. Japan
Submarines: 22
Japan has been quietly upgrading its naval capabilities, especially in the realm of submarines. The country received its latest submarine, Hakugei, in March last year. Developed by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the diesel electric submarine is equipped with lithium-ion batteries to enable the submarine to take part in longer underwater operations. Apart from this, the Japanese Navy operates 12 Sōryū-class and 9 Oyashio-class submarines.
4. North Korea
Submarines: 35
North Korea has one the largest fleets of submarines in the world. Last year in September, the country further strengthened its naval capabilities by launching Hero Kim Gun-ok, a ballistic missile submarine. During the launching ceremony, Kim Jong Un said the submarine will be ready for preemptive and retaliatory strikes against Seoul, and for countering the US if any of its fleets were to invade North Korea.
3. China
Submarines: 61
China has the third largest fleet of submarines in the world, which comprises both nuclear-powered and diesel-electric attack submarines. Some of the submarines operated by the Chinese include Jin-Class (Type 094), Shang-Class (Type 093), Yuan-Class (Type 039A), Kilo-Class, Song-Class (Type 039), and Ming-Class (Type 035).
2. United States
Submarines: 64
The United States is the most powerful navy in the world. Its fleet size is 64 according to the Global Firepower Index 2024. The American submarine force represents some of the most lethal underwater stealth machineries that cruise through the world’s waters unseen and contribute to the nation’s ocean dominance. The US Navy’s submarine fleet comprises nuclear-powered submarines, guided missile submarines, and nuclear power ballistic missile submarines. Three of the most known submarines currently in operation are the Virginia-class, Ohio-class, and Seawolf-class submarines. General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls Industries are working on the development of the Columbia-class of submarine which is scheduled to enter service in 2031.
1. Russia
Submarines: 65
Russia tops the charts for navies with the most submarines in the world. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), Russia’s fleet of 65 submarines includes about eleven nuclear-powered missile submarines that are vital for Russia’s strength underwaters, and provides the country strategic deterrence. Despite the budgetary constraints that Moscow faced following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has managed to significantly upgrade its navy, and especially the submarine force, to remain a force to reckon with. Russia’s Graney-class and Sierra II-class are among the most powerful submarines in the world.
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