U.S. Submarine Count Surpasses Over 140 Countries, Securing Dominant Naval Position

"Some of the most advanced weapons in any military arsenal aren't on the battlefield or in the sky, but deep below the oceans. Much of the international balance of naval power is defined by these submarines, and their nuclear payloads. These underwater assets are central to nuclear deterrence, sea control, and ultimately power projection. Today, three nations dominate this conversation."

"To identify the countries with the most military submarines in the world, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2025 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. Countries were ranked on the total number of military ships and submarines in their fleet. We included supplemental information regarding aircraft carriers, destroyers, corvettes, patrol vessels, and frigates, as well as each country's overall military strength score and defense budget."

Submarines are central to nuclear deterrence, sea control, and power projection, and they shape the international balance of naval power through their capabilities and nuclear payloads. The United States maintains a submarine fleet that surpasses those of over 140 countries, securing a dominant naval position alongside two other leading nations. Data were drawn from the 2025 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower, covering 145 countries. Countries were ranked by total military ships and submarines, with supplemental information on carriers, destroyers, corvettes, patrol vessels, frigates, overall military strength scores, and defense budgets informing comparative analysis.

Read at 24/7 Wall St.