Navy comparison: Australia vs China
Overview
China's 1036-ship navy outnumbers Australia's 41 vessels (25:1 advantage). Of these, 41 and 1023 are in active service respectively.
The fleet breakdown includes 6 vs 73 submarines, 0 vs 3 aircraft carriers, 3 vs 58 destroyers, 8 vs 47 frigates, 0 vs 50 corvettes, 3 vs 107 amphibious ships, 13 vs 94 patrol boats, 4 vs 58 mine warfare ships (Australia vs China).
Australia's navy is officially the Royal Australian Navy, while China's is the People's Liberation Army Navy.
Royal Australian Navy 🇦🇺
| Official Name | Royal Australian Navy |
| Total ships | 41 as of 2025 |
| Active ships | 41 as of 2025 |
| Naval Ensign |
|
People's Liberation Army Navy 🇨🇳
| Official Name | People's Liberation Army Navy |
| Total ships | 1036 as of 2025 |
| Active ships | 1023 as of 2025 |
| Naval Ensign |
|
Australian ships by category
| Ship category | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Submarines | 6 | |
| Aircraft carriers | 0 | |
| Destroyers | 3 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 8 | |
| Corvettes | 0 | |
| Coastal boats | 0 | |
| Patrol boats | 13 | |
| Amphibious ships | 3 | |
| Mine Warfare ships | 4 | |
| Cargo ships | 0 | |
| Support ships | 2 | |
| Other ships | 2 | |
Chinese ships by category
| Ship category | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Submarines | 73 | |
| Aircraft carriers | 3 | |
| Destroyers | 58 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 47 | |
| Corvettes | 50 | |
| Coastal boats | 0 | |
| Patrol boats | 94 | |
| Amphibious ships | 107 | |
| Mine Warfare ships | 58 | |
| Cargo ships | 27 | |
| Support ships | 468 | |
| Other ships | 51 | |
Ship Categories Radar Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more naval ships, Australia or China?
China has a larger navy with 1,036 ships compared to Australia's 41 ships.
Which navy has more submarines, Australia or China?
China operates more submarines with 73 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 58 destroyers compared to Australia's 3.
Which navy has more frigates, Australia or China?
China operates 47 frigates compared to Australia's 8.
How do the Australia and China navies compare in size?
China's navy is 25.3 times larger than Australia's in terms of total ships (1,036 vs 41).