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Navy comparison: Flag of Australia Australia vs Flag of China China

China's 477 warships outnumber Australia's 42 (11:1 advantage). Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 60 and 1008.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of Australia AustraliaWorld #14 23.6
SEAS Index / 100

China leads on 9 of 10 categories

Naval ensign of China ChinaWorld #2 93.4
  • 0 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 3
  • 3 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 61
  • 6 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 64
  • 7 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 58
  • 0 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 50
  • 3 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 76
  • 2 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 37
  • 20 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 26
  • 1 Unmannedweight ×2 · size, era 34
  • 0 Coastal boatsweight ×1 · size, era 68
  • 2 Support shipsnot scored 442
  • 0 Cargo shipsnot scored 27
  • 14 Other shipsnot scored 54
Australia China 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
Australia China Ratio
Official name Royal Australian Navy People's Liberation Army Navy
Total ships 60 1,008 🇨🇳 17×
Active ships 58 1,000 🇨🇳 17×
On order / planned 19 24 🇨🇳 1.3×
Submarines 6 64 🇨🇳 11×
Principal surface combatants 10 119 🇨🇳 12×
Aircraft carriers 0 3 🇨🇳
Amphibious ships 3 76 🇨🇳 25×
Show full breakdown · 5 more rowsHide the 5 extra rows
Corvettes 0 50 🇨🇳
Patrol boats 20 26 🇨🇳 1.3×
Mine warfare 2 37 🇨🇳 18×
Coastal boats 0 68 🇨🇳
Auxiliaries 16 523 🇨🇳 33×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇦🇺 AustraliaCollins-class ×6Hobart-class ×3Anzac-class ×7
🇨🇳 ChinaType 003-class ×1Type 039A-class ×20Type 052D-class ×35
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, Australia or China?
China has a larger navy with 477 warships in service compared to Australia's 42.
Which navy has more submarines, Australia or China?
China operates more submarines with 64 compared to Australia's 6.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, Australia or China?
China has 3 aircraft carrier(s) compared to Australia's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, Australia or China?
China operates 61 destroyers compared to Australia's 3.
Which navy has more frigates, Australia or China?
China operates 58 frigates compared to Australia's 7.
How do the Australia and China navies compare in size?
China's navy is 11.4 times larger than Australia's in terms of total ships (477 vs 42).