Top 3 Countries with the Largest Submarine Fleets

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The Global Powerhouses in Submarine Fleets: 2025 Update

United States Dominates with the Largest Submarine Fleet
The United States continues its naval supremacy with a formidable fleet of 70 submarines, reinforcing its strategic dominance across global waters. The U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet plays a crucial role in national security, with a focus on stealth and advanced technology, including nuclear-powered attack and ballistic missile submarines.
Russia Maintains Its Naval Strength
Russia’s submarine fleet stands at 63 vessels, making it the second-largest after the U.S. in 2025. Known for its powerful ballistic missile submarines and diesel-electric attack subs, Russia remains a significant player in underwater warfare, frequently modernizing and expanding its fleet to keep pace with global rivals.

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China’s Rapid Expansion Continues
China’s submarine force has grown to 61 submarines, reflecting its ambition to project power regionally and globally. The Chinese navy is actively investing in both traditional and nuclear submarines, including the latest Type 039A (Yuan-class) and nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, enhancing their underwater capabilities.
Iran’s Growing Underwater Arsenal
Iran’s submarine fleet has reached 25 vessels, primarily consisting of domestically manufactured submarines like the Ghadir-class. Iran continues to develop its underwater fleet to assert regional influence and bolster its strategic deterrence amid tense geopolitical environments.
Japan’s Defensive Underwater Assets
With 24 submarines, Japan maintains one of Asia’s most advanced submarine forces. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has increasingly focused on stealth, stealth technology, and multi-mission capabilities, crucial for protecting its islands and deterring regional threats.
South Korea’s Submarine Fleet Undergoing Modernization
South Korea operates 22 submarines, including the latest KSS-III (Dokdo-class) submarines. The nation is heavily investing in stealth features and missile capabilities to safeguard against North Korean threats and enhance regional security.
India’s Strategic Underwater Expansion
India boasts an 18-strong submarine fleet, with new construction underway, including the nuclear-powered INS Arihant. India’s focus remains on strengthening its nuclear and conventional submarine capabilities to secure its maritime borders and counterbalance regional rivals.
North Korea’s Growing Submarine Inventory
North Korea has 13 submarines, mostly smaller submarines suited for coastal defense and asymmetric warfare. The regime continues to develop and test newer, more capable underwater vessels to maintain a strategic deterrent in the region.
Turkey’s Submarine Ambitions
Turkey’s fleet includes 13 submarines, with ongoing plans to modernize and expand. The Turkish Navy emphasizes indigenous design, with the MILGEM class submarines being a focal point to bolster regional maritime security.
Greece’s Strategic Naval Presence
Greece maintains a fleet of 10 submarines, mainly German-made Type 209 models. Their submarines are essential for patrolling in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially given ongoing tensions in the region.
European Powers Bolster Their Undersea Capabilities
France and the United Kingdom each operate 9 submarines, focusing on nuclear deterrence and regional defense respectively. France’s Triomphant-class and the UK’s Vanguard-class submarines underscore their commitment to nuclear deterrence.
Vietnam’s Small but Strategic Fleet
Vietnam manages 9 submarines, primarily Soviet-era or Chinese-made, focusing on regional defense and asserting maritime claims in the South China Sea. Its fleet continues to modernize to address expanding regional maritime tensions.
Egypt’s Naval Modernization
Egypt operates 8 submarines, including German and French models, primarily for securing the Suez Canal and asserting influence in the Red Sea and Mediterranean.
Italy’s Mediterranean Strength
Italy’s fleet of 8 submarines, mostly Type 212 models, serves to protect Italy’s maritime interests in the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-Atlantic corridors.
Pakistan’s Efforts to Bolster Capabilities
Pakistan’s submarine fleet includes 8 vessels, notably the Agosta-class and newer Type 039s, with ongoing efforts to procure and develop indigenous designs to enhance regional deterrence.

Regional and Global Implications (2025)

The global submarine landscape underscores a multipolar world where coastal and regional powers are investing heavily in underwater capabilities. The United States’ unmatched fleet underpins NATO’s maritime strategy, while Russia and China focus on expanding and modernizing their underwater arsenals to challenge American dominance and extend their spheres of influence.

Asian powers like China, Japan, and South Korea are racing to enhance their underwater assets amid regional tensions, especially over territorial disputes and strategic competition. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern nations like Iran and Egypt are bolstering their fleets to secure vital waterways and regional influence.

Europe maintains a strong nuclear deterrent presence, but the focus is also on regional defense and modernization. The smaller but strategically significant fleets of nations such as Greece, Vietnam, and Pakistan highlight the importance of submarines in regional security doctrines.

Ultimately, the submarine fleets of 2025 reflect the evolving geostrategic landscape—marked by an arms race underwater and a focus on stealth, missile technology, and regional influence.

Source: Global Firepower