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Navy comparison: Flag of United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates vs Flag of Iran Iran

United Arab Emirates operates a fleet of 87 ships compared to 142 for Iran. Of these, 83 and 112 are in active service respectively.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of United Arab Emirates United Arab EmiratesWorld #40 12.1
SEAS Index / 100

United Arab Emirates leads on 4 of 6 categories

Naval ensign of Iran IranWorld #57 6.9
  • 0 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 2
  • 11 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 0
  • 10 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 9
  • 2 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 1
  • 39 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 46
  • 0 Coastal boatsweight ×1 · size, era 15
  • 0 Support shipsnot scored 16
  • 21 Other shipsnot scored 23
United Arab Emirates Iran Bars: weighted contribution to the SEAS Index (hulls × category weight × size, era and propulsion factors, minor vessels capped at 30 % of the combatant points; the air-wing, sustainment, armament and availability multipliers apply on top) · figures: active hulls at each side's latest inventory year · Methodology
Key figures as of 2026
United Arab Emirates Iran Ratio
Official name United Arab Emirates Navy Islamic Republic of Iran Navy
Total ships 87 142 🇮🇷 1.6×
Active ships 83 112 🇮🇷 1.3×
On order / planned 4 0 🇦🇪
Submarines 0 2 🇮🇷
Principal surface combatants 0 0 —
Amphibious ships 10 9 🇦🇪 1.1×
Show full breakdown · 5 more rowsHide the 5 extra rows
Corvettes 11 0 🇦🇪
Patrol boats 39 46 🇮🇷 1.2×
Mine warfare 2 1 🇦🇪 2.0×
Coastal boats 0 15 🇮🇷
Auxiliaries 21 39 🇮🇷 1.9×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇦🇪 United Arab EmiratesBaynunah-class ×6
🇮🇷 IranKilo-class ×2
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United Arab Emirates vsIndonesiaSingaporeVietnamThailandNorth Korea
Iran vsIsraelUnited StatesSaudi ArabiaIndonesiaSingapore

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, United Arab Emirates or Iran?
Iran has a larger navy with 142 ships compared to United Arab Emirates's 87 ships.
Which navy has more submarines, United Arab Emirates or Iran?
Iran operates more submarines with 4 compared to United Arab Emirates's 0.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, United Arab Emirates or Iran?
Iran has 1 aircraft carrier(s) compared to United Arab Emirates's 0.
Which navy has more frigates, United Arab Emirates or Iran?
Iran operates 8 frigates compared to United Arab Emirates's 0.
How do the United Arab Emirates and Iran navies compare in size?
Iran's navy is 1.6 times larger than United Arab Emirates's in terms of total ships (142 vs 87).