When it comes to safeguarding their maritime interests, the world’s major powers spare no expense in bolstering their naval forces. Here’s a closer look at the seven countries boasting the most formidable naval capabilities on the high seas.
1. United States
Despite China surpassing the U.S. in the sheer number of ships—1,572 compared to 1,139—the United States Navy (USN) reigns supreme, thanks to its advanced technology and modern fleet. The crown jewel is the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier at 332 meters long, which embarked on its first mission in 2022 after its 2017 launch. The USN is not resting on its laurels; in 2024, they began testing the USS John F. Kennedy, a next-generation aircraft carrier expected to be delivered in 2025.
The USN’s fleet includes 11 aircraft carriers, 14 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), 50 attack submarines (SSNs), and 23 frigates, collectively weighing in at about 3 million tons. Their real strength lies in their ability to deploy multiple carrier strike groups simultaneously worldwide. For instance, following the Hamas attacks on October 7, the U.S. quickly deployed two aircraft carriers and their escort ships to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel.
2. China
China’s naval expansion is nothing short of impressive. According to former French naval chief Admiral Prazuck, China built the equivalent of the French Navy in just four years. The Chinese Navy currently operates three aircraft carriers with a fourth under construction, although none are nuclear-powered. With 1,572 vessels totaling 1.2 million tons, China holds the second spot among the world’s most powerful navies.
3. Russia
Russia continues to modernize its fleet, a necessity given many vessels date back to the Soviet era. In December 2023, President Vladimir Putin commissioned two new nuclear submarines for the Pacific Fleet. These additions signal Moscow’s intent to extend its influence beyond Ukraine, with ambitions in the Arctic, Far East, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Caspian Sea.
Currently, the Russian Navy includes 51 submarines (13 of which are SSBNs) among its 605 warships, collectively weighing 1.15 million tons.
4. Japan
Japan’s strategic location near China, North Korea, and Russia necessitates a robust navy. Their fleet, weighing 512,000 tons, features two Izumo-class helicopter carriers, each displacing 27,000 tons. In December 2022, Japan increased its defense budget to build new warships. The Japanese Navy now includes 18 submarines and eight frigates.
5. United Kingdom
Once the world’s leading naval power, the Royal Navy has seen a decline since World War II. The British fleet currently totals 457,000 tons. Recruitment challenges have impacted operational readiness; for example, the HMS Queen Elizabeth, one of the Royal Navy’s two aircraft carriers, couldn’t deploy to the Red Sea in January due to a personnel shortage.
6. India
India is racing to modernize and expand its naval capabilities, trailing China but making significant strides. Although not officially part of the U.S.-led task force in the Red Sea, the Indian Navy has a notable presence there, responding to multiple distress calls from ships attacked or hijacked between November 2023 and January 2024.
India’s fleet includes two aircraft carriers, 16 submarines (one SSBN), and 16 frigates, weighing a total of 322,000 tons.
7. France
France commands the second-largest maritime territory globally, behind only the United States. Its navy, known as “La Royale,” boasts 307,000 tons of ships, including the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, three amphibious helicopter carriers, around 15 frigates, and nine nuclear-powered submarines.
France is unique, alongside the U.S., in operating a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. By 2040, France aims to introduce a new generation of aircraft carriers and third-generation SSBNs, cementing its position among the world’s naval elites.
These seven countries demonstrate that maintaining a powerful navy is crucial for protecting maritime interests and projecting global influence. Each nation’s naval strategy reflects its geopolitical priorities and regional security concerns, highlighting the ongoing importance of naval power in the 21st century.
