A massive competition can be observed among nations to possess the world’s best submarines. Several countries are advancing their technology to manufacture or purchase submarines to strengthen their naval power. Let’s find out which country has the maximum number of submarines.
1- United States
The United States of America has the largest number of submarines. The US has 71 submarines and it has nuclear powered submarines, 4 guided missile submarines and 14 nuclear ballistic missile submarines.
2- Russia
Russia has 64 to 65 submarines, and it makes the nation one of the largest submarine fleets in the world. This fleet includes various types of submarines, about 14 to 16 of which are strategic ballistic missile submarines, while several others are nuclear-powered or diesel-powered attack submarines.
3- China
China has possession of 61 to 66 submarines, that includes both nuclear-powered and diesel-electric vessels. The Chinese Navy’s fleet comprises around six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines), and nearly 49 to 54 diesel-electric attack submarines.
4- Iran
Iran has around 25 submarines. Its fleet includes several diesel-electric attack submarines and a large number of mini-submarines, such as the Ghadir-class. Iran has the largest submarine which is made up of the Russian-made Kilo-class, known locally as the Tareq-class. However, Iran does not possess any nuclear-powered submarines.
5- Japan
Japan has a fleet of 24 submarines, all of which are diesel-electric attack submarines. This number also includes two training submarines, that brings the total to 24. The active fleet consists of Oyashio-class, Sōryū-class, and the new Taigei-class submarines.
6- South Korea
The South Korean Navy has 22 submarines, all of which are diesel-electric attack submarines. South Korea does not possess any nuclear-powered submarines.
7- India
The Indian Navy has a total of 18 submarines. India’s submarine fleet includes Sindhughosh-class and Scorpene-class diesel-electric attack submarines, along with nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines such as INS Arihant and the upcoming S4-class. The Navy is also in the process of developing nuclear-powered attack submarines.
8-Turkey
Turkey has 13 active submarines belonging to the Atilay, Preveze, and Gür classes. Besides this, Turkey also has one Reis-class submarine. According to Naval News, Turkey is developing more submarines of the Reis class and has planned to launch a total of six new submarines by 2028 to replace its older fleet.
9-North Korea
North Korea possesses a fleet of 13 submarines, most of which are diesel-electric ballistic missile submarines. Recently, North Korea unveiled a nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine; however, foreign experts have raised questions about its readiness and actual capabilities.
10-Greece
Greece has a fleet of 10 submarines. Greece operates a fleet of Type 214 Papanikolis-class and Type 209/1500 Poseidon-class submarines. Manufactured by Hellenic Shipyards, the Papanikolis-class submarines are a modern diesel-electric design capable of diving up to 400 metres and remaining at sea for up to 84 days.
