Top 10 Countries With Most Submarines (2024)

Last updated on February 7th, 2024 at 12:14 pm

In the ever-evolving landscape of naval warfare, submarines hold a unique and pivotal role. As we progress through 2024, it becomes increasingly important to understand which countries lead in underwater military capabilities. The Global Firepower Index, a respected authority in defense analytics, has recently updated its rankings, providing a fresh look at the nations with the most substantial submarine fleets.

Submarines, the silent and often unseen players of the naval world, are crucial in shaping a nation’s defense and strategic presence in international waters. Their roles range from defensive maneuvers and surveillance to offensive capabilities, including the deployment of missiles and special operations forces.

This year’s list of the top ten countries with most submarines is not just a tally of numbers. It reflects the strategic importance, technological advancements, and military investment of each nation. The composition and capabilities of these underwater fleets offer insights into each country’s defense priorities and technological expertise.

This ranking highlights the increasing importance of undersea capabilities in modern naval warfare. With surface ships facing new threats from advanced missile systems, submarines offer a level of stealth and unpredictability that is invaluable. They are a key asset in ensuring a country’s maritime security and projecting power beyond its shores.

As we explore the Largest submarine fleets in 2024, we aim to provide a clear and informative overview of these elite underwater fleets. Our focus is to sheds light on the fascinating world of submarine warfare and its strategic implications in today’s global landscape.

Here is a list of top 10 countries with most submarines in 2024 as per the Global Firepower Index:

10. Greece

Greece is placed 10th on the list. The Greek Navy has 11 submarines, all of them are conventionally powered, and none of them are nuclear-powered.

9. Turkiye

As per the Global Firepower Index, Turkiye is placed 9th on the list. Turkish Naval Forces possess 12 submarines, all of which are conventionally powered, and none are Nuclear-powered.

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8. India

Number 8 on the list is India.

Indian Navy has a total of 18 submarines, out of which 1 is nuclear-powered while other 16 are conventionally powered submarines.

7. Iran

Iran is 7th on the list. Iranian Navy possess a total of 19 submarines, and none of them are nuclear-powered.

6. South Korea

Number 6 on the list is South Korea, down from 5th rank in 2023.

The South Korean Navy has 22 submarines overall, and none of these are nuclear-powered. All the submarines are conventionally powered.

5. Japan

Japan is the 5th on the list of countries with most submarines, up by 1 rank as compared to the 2023 rankings.

The Japanese Navy has 23 submarines overall, and none of these are nuclear-powered. All the submarines are conventionally powered.

4. North Korea

Yes, you read it right! The 4th topmost country in terms of number of submarines is North Korea.

The North Korean Navy has 35 submarines in total, none of the submarines possessed by North Korea are nuclear-powered.

3. China

In a notable shift from the previous year, China now occupies the third spot in the 2024 rankings of countries with the most submarines, according to the latest data from the Global Firepower Index. This represents a significant change from 2023, where China led the list, holding the number one position.

The Chinese Navy has a total of 61 active submarines.

Out of these 61 submarines, 06 Shang-class attack submarines are nuclear-powered while the remaining are conventionally powered submarines.

Related – Top 10 Most Powerful Navies in the World (2024)

2. United States of America

Yes, the USA is number 2 on the list, not number 1.

The mighty American Navy has 64 submarines in total, and all of these submarines are nuclear-powered.

1. Russia

Finally the country with most number of submarines in the entire world is Russia!

The Russian Navy has a total of 65 active submarines, just one more than the United States Navy.

Out of these 65 submarines, only 12 are nuclear-powered while the remaining are conventionally powered submarines. However, Russia is building eight more nuclear submarines – three Borei-class and five Yasen-class.

So, these are the top 10 countries with most submarines in 2024 as per the Global Firepower Index.

To see the complete list of the countries with most submarines (2024), click here