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Navy comparison: Flag of Belgium Belgium vs Flag of France France

France's 80 warships outnumber Belgium's 9 (8.9:1 advantage). Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 9 and 166.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of Belgium BelgiumWorld #56 6.9
SEAS Index / 100

France leads on 8 of 8 categories

Naval ensign of France FranceWorld #8 39.6
  • 0 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 1
  • 0 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 10
  • 0 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 9
  • 2 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 12
  • 0 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 3
  • 5 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 19
  • 2 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 24
  • 0 Unmannedweight ×2 · size, era 2
  • 0 Support shipsnot scored 86
Belgium France 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
Belgium France Ratio
Official name Belgian Navy French Navy
Total ships 9 166 🇫🇷 18×
Active ships 9 166 🇫🇷 18×
On order / planned 8 12 🇫🇷 1.5×
Submarines 0 9 🇫🇷
Principal surface combatants 2 22 🇫🇷 11×
Aircraft carriers 0 1 🇫🇷
Amphibious ships 0 3 🇫🇷
Show full breakdown · 3 more rowsHide the 3 extra rows
Patrol boats 2 24 🇫🇷 12×
Mine warfare 5 19 🇫🇷 3.8×
Auxiliaries 0 86 🇫🇷
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇧🇪 BelgiumKarel Doorman-class ×2
🇫🇷 FranceCharles de Gaulle-class ×1Barracuda-class ×4FREMM frigate-class ×8
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, Belgium or France?
France has a larger navy with 80 warships in service compared to Belgium's 9.
Which navy has more submarines, Belgium or France?
France operates more submarines with 9 compared to Belgium's 0.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, Belgium or France?
France has 1 aircraft carrier(s) compared to Belgium's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, Belgium or France?
France operates 10 destroyers compared to Belgium's 0.
Which navy has more frigates, Belgium or France?
France operates 12 frigates compared to Belgium's 2.
How do the Belgium and France navies compare in size?
France's navy is 8.9 times larger than Belgium's in terms of total ships (80 vs 9).