In this article, we look at the 5 strongest navies in the world in 2024. You can read about trends in the naval industry by heading over to the 16 Strongest Navies in the World in 2024.
5. Japan
Naval Assets: 155
Submarines: 22
Aircraft Carriers: 2
Destroyers: 36
Corvettes: 6
Score: 0.90
Japan has one of the strongest navies in the world, with 155 active naval units in 2024, according to the Global Firepower Index, which includes 22 submarines, 36 destroyers, 6 corvettes, 4 frigates, and 22 countermine warships, among several other vessels. According to the WDMMW, Japan operates a modern navy compared to most of the other countries in the world, with a median hull age of 15.8 years. Its two carriers, Izumo and Kaga, were initially capable of only deploying helicopters, but after 2018, they were upgraded to allow for fighter jets to land and launch from them.
4. India
Naval Assets: 294
Submarines: 18
Aircraft Carriers: 2
Destroyers: 12
Corvettes: 18
Score: 0.91
Next on our list is India, which has a large and impressive fleet of naval vessels. The country operates 18 submarines, of which sixteen are diesel-electric, while two are nuclear-powered – INS Arihant and INS Arighat. New Delhi in 2019 entered into a $3 billion deal with Moscow for a 10-year lease of the Akula-class nuclear submarines. The first delivery is expected in 2025. The South Asian military powerhouse also has two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, with a combined displacement of 90,000 tonnes. India is currently locally-producing its third carrier, INS Vishal, which will have a tonnage of 70,000.
3. Russia
Naval Assets: 781
Submarines: 65
Aircraft Carriers: 1
Destroyers: 14
Corvettes: 83
Score: 0.94
Russia has the biggest navy in the world, in terms of naval units, according to the Global Firepower Index. Its submarine (65) and corvette (83) fleets are also the largest in the world. In addition to this, the country also boasts a sizable number of destroyers and frigates. Russia lacks strength, however, when it comes to aircraft carriers. Its only carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, was launched in 1985 and has largely been a rusty ship. It has been out of service, undergoing repair and maintenance since 2018.
2. China
Naval Assets: 730
Submarines: 61
Aircraft Carriers: 2
Destroyers: 49
Corvettes: 72
Score: 0.97
China is fast catching up on the United States on the naval front, due to its impressive fleet of submarines, destroyers, and frigates. It also has a much younger median hull age than the US. China also operates two aircraft carriers – Liaoning and Shandong – which have a combined displacement of 130,000 tonnes, and are equipped with capabilities to deploy fighter jets and engage in combat operations.
1. United States
Naval Assets: 472
Submarines: 64
Aircraft Carriers: 11
Destroyers: 75
Corvettes: 23
Score: 0.99
Despite having a considerably lower number of naval units compared to Russia and China, the United States has the most powerful navy in the world, featuring a broad mix of aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, destroyers, and corvettes. More than 336,000 military personnel in the US are on active duty in the Navy, with over 100,000 in reserve. The country boasts the most number of aircraft carriers in the world (11), while most other countries only possess between one and two. This wide gulf is testament to the dominance of the US Navy over the world, which is further strengthening its capabilities with the Gerald R. Ford class of carriers, which allow 25% more launches with 25% fewer crewmen compared to the Nimitz class of carriers.
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