Revealed: Countries With Most Submarines (2023)

Assessing a nation’s military strength on a global scale often involves examining the size and technology of its weaponry. Submarines have become a crucial asset in modern warfare, increasingly focused on stealth and undercover missions. These underwater vessels play a vital role in naval arsenals, serving as a strategic deterrent, particularly nuclear deterrence. They’re essential components of the world’s leading naval forces.

The United States is known for having one of the most powerful military forces in the world. However, it may surprise you that the U.S. doesn’t hold the top spot when it comes to submarines. That said, it doesn’t mean that the U.S. lacks in this area. The U.S. prioritizes quality over quantity, and many of its submarines are powered by nuclear energy. The U.S. has consistently invested in cutting-edge technology and maintenance, making their submarines some of the most advanced in the world. Y

China has been making significant progress in bolstering its military capabilities in recent years. One area where they’ve excelled is their submarine fleet, which currently consists of 79 vessels. These submarines range from diesel-electric to nuclear-powered, showcasing China’s technological prowess. What’s particularly notable is that the vast majority of these submarines are made in China, with the incorporation of their own advancements.

1. China
   Number of submarines in active service: 79
   Total naval fleet size: 730
   Military expenditure (2022): $291,958.4 million
   Submarines in fleet: Jin-class, Shang-class, Han-class, Yuan-class
2. Russia
   Number of submarines in active service: 70
   Total naval fleet size: 598
   Military expenditure (2022): $86,373.1 million
   Submarines in fleet: Typhoon-class, Borey-class, Victor-class, Akula-class
3. United States
   Number of submarines in active service: 68
   Total naval fleet size: 484
   Military expenditure (2022): $876,943.2 million
   Submarines in fleet: Ohio-class, Seawolf-class, Los Angeles-class, Virginia-class
4. North Korea
   Number of submarines in active service: 35
   Total naval fleet size: 519
   GlobalFirepower PowerIndex score: 0.5118
   Submarines in fleet: Simpo-class, Sango-class, Yono-class, Type 033-class
5. South Korea
   Number of submarines in active service: 22
   Total naval fleet size: 157
   Military expenditure (2022): $46,365.42 million
   Submarines in fleet: Sohn Wonyil-class, Chang Bogo-class
6. Japan
   Number of submarines in active service: 21
   Total naval fleet size: 155
   Military expenditure (2022): $45,992.09 million
   Submarines in fleet: Taigei-class, Soryu-class, Oyashio-class
7. Iran
   Number of submarines in active service: 19
   Total naval fleet size: 101
   Military expenditure (2022): $6,846.597 million
   Submarines in fleet: Kilo-class, Fateh-class, Ghadir-class
8. India
   Number of submarines in active service: 18
   Total naval fleet size: 295
   Military expenditure (2022): $81,363.19 million
   Submarines in fleet: Arihant-class, Kalvari-class, Singhughosh-class, Shishumar-class
9. Turkey
   Number of submarines in active service: 12
   Total naval fleet size: 154
   Military expenditure (2022): $10,644.58 million
   Submarines in fleet: Atilay-class, Preveze-class, Gur-class
10. Greece
    Number of submarines in active service: 11
    Total naval fleet size: 120
    Military expenditure (2022): $8,104.85 million
    Submarines in fleet: Glavkos-class, Poseidon-class, Okeanos-class, Papanikolis-class
11. United Kingdom
    Number of submarines in active service: 10
    Total naval fleet size: 73
    Military expenditure (2022): $68,462.58 million
    Submarines in fleet: Vanguard-class, Astute-class, Trafalgar-class
12. Pakistan
    Number of submarines in active service: 9
    Total naval fleet size: 114
    Military expenditure (2022): $10,337.48 million
    Submarines in fleet: Agosta 90-class, Agosta 70-class, Cosmos-class
13. France
    Number of submarines in active service: 9
    Total naval fleet size: 126
    Military expenditure (2022): $53,638.75 million
    Submarines in fleet: Rubis-class, Barracuda-class, Triomphant-class
14. Italy
    Number of submarines in active service: 8
    Total naval fleet size: 313
    Military expenditure (2022): $33,489.7 million
    Submarines in fleet: Todaro-class, Sauro-class
15. Egypt
    Number of submarines in active service: 8
    Total naval fleet size: 245
    Military expenditure (2022): $4,645.922 million
    Submarines in fleet: Romeo-class, Type 209-class
16. Brazil
    Number of submarines in active service: 7
    Total naval fleet size: 112
    Military expenditure (2022): $20,210.78 million
    Submarines in fleet: Tupi-class, Scorpene-class
17. Singapore
    Number of submarines in active service: 7
    Total naval fleet size: 40
    Military expenditure (2022): $11687 million
    Submarines in fleet: Invincible-class submarines, Archer-class, Challenger class
18. Vietnam
    Number of submarines in active service: 6
    Total naval fleet size: 109
    Submarines in fleet: Kilo-class
19. Peru
    Number of submarines in active service: 6
    Total naval fleet size: 63 –
    Military expenditure (2022): $2,845.43 million
    Submarines in fleet: Type 209/1200-class
20. Norway
    Number of submarines in active service: 6
    Total naval fleet size: 48
    Military expenditure (2022): $8,388.36 million
    Submarines in fleet: Ula-class
21. Germany
    Number of submarines in active service: 6
    Total naval fleet size: 80
    Military expenditure (2022): $55,759.75 million
    Submarines in fleet: Type 212-class
22. Australia
    Number of submarines in active service: 6
    Total naval fleet size: 43
    Military expenditure (2022): $32,298.92 million
    Submarines in fleet: Collins-class
23. Algeria
    Number of submarines in active service: 6
    Total naval fleet size: 201
    Military expenditure (2022): $9,145.81 million
    Submarines in fleet: Project 636, Project 877
24. Netherlands
    Number of submarines in active service: 3
    Total naval fleet size: 61
    Military expenditure (2022): $15606 million
    Submarines in fleet: Walrus-class
25. South Africa
    Number of submarines in active service: 3
    Total naval fleet size: 47
    Military expenditure (2022): $2995 million
    Submarines in fleet: Heroine-class
26. Venezuela
    Number of submarines in active service: 2
    Total naval fleet size: 46
    Military expenditure (2022): $4,6 million
    Submarines in fleet: Type 209
27. Myanmar
    Number of submarines in active service: 2
    Total naval fleet size: 150
    Military expenditure (2022): $1,856.90 million
    Submarines in fleet: Kilo class, Type 035B Ming class
28. Portugal
    Number of submarines in active service: 2
    Total naval fleet size: 36
    Military expenditure (2022): $3,500 million
    Submarines in fleet: Tridente class
29. Ecuador
    Number of submarines in active service: 2
    Total naval fleet size: 30
    Military expenditure (2022): $2488 million
    Submarines in fleet: Type 209/1300
30. Malaysia
    Number of submarines in active service: 2
    Total naval fleet size: 82
    Military expenditure (2022): $3670 million
    Submarines in fleet: Scorpène
31. Spain
    Number of submarines in active service: 2
    Total naval fleet size: 166
    Military expenditure (2022): $20306 million
    Submarines in fleet: Galerna class
32. Bangladesh
    Number of submarines in active service: 2
    Total naval fleet size: 112
    Military expenditure (2022): $4806 million
    Submarines in fleet: Type 035G (Ming class)
33. Poland
    Number of submarines in active service: 1
    Total naval fleet size: 56
    Military expenditure (2022): $16573 million
    Submarines in fleet: Kilo class

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