Navy comparison:
China vs
North Korea
China operates 477 warships compared to 391 for North Korea. Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 1008 and 420.
SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
China
North Korea
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 | North Korea | Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official name | People's Liberation Army Navy | Korean People's Army Naval Force | |
| Total ships | 1,008 | 420 | 🇨🇳 2.4× |
| Active ships | 1,000 | 393 | 🇨🇳 2.5× |
| On order / planned | 24 | 3 | 🇨🇳 8.0× |
| Submarines | 64 | 21 | 🇨🇳 3.0× |
| Principal surface combatants | 119 | 4 | 🇨🇳 30× |
| Aircraft carriers | 3 | 0 | 🇨🇳 |
| Amphibious ships | 76 | 0 | 🇨🇳 |
Show full breakdown · 5 more rowsHide the 5 extra rows
| Corvettes | 50 | 9 | 🇨🇳 5.6× |
| Patrol boats | 26 | 181 | 🇰🇵 7.0× |
| Mine warfare | 37 | 0 | 🇨🇳 |
| Coastal boats | 68 | 176 | 🇰🇵 2.6× |
| Auxiliaries | 523 | 2 | 🇨🇳 262× |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more naval ships, China or North Korea?
China has a larger navy with 477 warships in service compared to North Korea's 391.
Which navy has more submarines, China or North Korea?
China operates more submarines with 64 compared to North Korea's 21.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, China or North Korea?
China has 3 aircraft carrier(s) compared to North Korea's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, China or North Korea?
China operates 61 destroyers compared to North Korea's 2.
Which navy has more frigates, China or North Korea?
China operates 58 frigates compared to North Korea's 2.