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Navy comparison: Flag of China China vs Flag of North Korea 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 →
Naval ensign of China ChinaWorld #2 92.5
SEAS Index / 100

China leads on 9 of 10 categories

Naval ensign of North Korea North KoreaWorld #26 17.9
  • 3 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 0
  • 61 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 2
  • 64 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 21
  • 58 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 2
  • 50 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 9
  • 76 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 0
  • 37 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 0
  • 26 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 181
  • 34 Unmannedweight ×2 · size, era 0
  • 68 Coastal boatsweight ×1 · size, era 176
  • 442 Support shipsnot scored 1
  • 27 Cargo shipsnot scored 0
  • 54 Other shipsnot scored 1
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×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇨🇳 ChinaType 003-class ×1Type 039A-class ×20Type 052D-class ×35
🇰🇵 North KoreaRomeo-class ×20Choe Hyon-class ×2Najin-class ×2
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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.