GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Navy comparison: Flag of China China vs Flag of Germany Germany

China's 477 warships outnumber Germany's 45 (11:1 advantage). Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 1008 and 72.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of China ChinaWorld #2 93.4
SEAS Index / 100

China leads on 9 of 10 categories

Naval ensign of Germany GermanyWorld #11 26.2
  • 3 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 0
  • 61 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 0
  • 64 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 6
  • 58 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 11
  • 50 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 6
  • 76 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 0
  • 37 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 12
  • 26 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 10
  • 34 Unmannedweight ×2 · size, era 0
  • 68 Coastal boatsweight ×1 · size, era 0
  • 442 Support shipsnot scored 20
  • 27 Cargo shipsnot scored 0
  • 54 Other shipsnot scored 7
China Germany 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
China Germany Ratio
Official name People's Liberation Army Navy German Navy
Total ships 1,008 72 🇨🇳 14×
Active ships 1,000 72 🇨🇳 14×
On order / planned 24 23 🇨🇳 ≈
Submarines 64 6 🇨🇳 11×
Principal surface combatants 119 11 🇨🇳 11×
Aircraft carriers 3 0 🇨🇳
Amphibious ships 76 0 🇨🇳
Show full breakdown · 5 more rowsHide the 5 extra rows
Corvettes 50 6 🇨🇳 8.3×
Patrol boats 26 10 🇨🇳 2.6×
Mine warfare 37 12 🇨🇳 3.1×
Coastal boats 68 0 🇨🇳
Auxiliaries 523 27 🇨🇳 19×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇨🇳 ChinaType 003-class ×1Type 039A-class ×20Type 052D-class ×35
🇩🇪 GermanyType 212-class ×6Baden-Württemberg-class ×4Braunschweig-class ×6
Explore this matchup
Go deeper · same matchup, other lenses
Military strength Air forces Armies Ranks & insignia
Change opponent
China vsTaiwanUnited StatesRussiaIndiaJapan
Germany vsUnited StatesFrancePolandUnited KingdomUkraine

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, China or Germany?
China has a larger navy with 477 warships in service compared to Germany's 45.
Which navy has more submarines, China or Germany?
China operates more submarines with 64 compared to Germany's 6.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, China or Germany?
China has 3 aircraft carrier(s) compared to Germany's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, China or Germany?
China operates 61 destroyers compared to Germany's 0.
Which navy has more frigates, China or Germany?
China operates 58 frigates compared to Germany's 11.
How do the China and Germany navies compare in size?
China's navy is 10.6 times larger than Germany's in terms of total ships (477 vs 45).