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Navy comparison: Flag of Egypt Egypt vs Flag of South Africa South Africa

Egypt's 275 warships outnumber South Africa's 45 (6.1:1 advantage). Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 319 and 52.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Flag of Egypt EgyptWorld #16 21.0
SEAS Index / 100

Egypt leads on 6 of 7 categories

Flag of South Africa South AfricaWorld #34 13.7
  • 8 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 3
  • 13 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 4
  • 7 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 0
  • 2 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 0
  • 12 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 2
  • 203 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 36
  • 30 Coastal boatsweight ×1 · size, era 0
  • 21 Support shipsnot scored 7
  • 21 Other shipsnot scored 0
Egypt South Africa 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
Egypt South Africa Ratio
Official name Egyptian Navy South African Navy
Total ships 319 52 🇪🇬 6.1×
Active ships 317 52 🇪🇬 6.1×
On order / planned 10 1 🇪🇬 10×
Submarines 8 3 🇪🇬 2.7×
Principal surface combatants 13 4 🇪🇬 3.2×
Amphibious ships 2 0 🇪🇬
Show full breakdown · 5 more rowsHide the 5 extra rows
Corvettes 7 0 🇪🇬
Patrol boats 203 36 🇪🇬 5.6×
Mine warfare 12 2 🇪🇬 6.0×
Coastal boats 30 0 🇪🇬
Auxiliaries 42 7 🇪🇬 6.0×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇪🇬 EgyptRomeo-class ×4Oliver Hazard Perry-class ×4Gowind 2500-class ×4
🇿🇦 South AfricaHeroine-class ×3Valour-class ×4
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Egypt vsTurkeyAlgeriaMoroccoNigeriaTunisia
South Africa vsMoroccoNigeriaAlgeriaTunisiaKenya

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, Egypt or South Africa?
Egypt has a larger navy with 275 warships in service compared to South Africa's 45.
Which navy has more submarines, Egypt or South Africa?
Egypt operates more submarines with 8 compared to South Africa's 3.
Which navy has more frigates, Egypt or South Africa?
Egypt operates 13 frigates compared to South Africa's 4.
How do the Egypt and South Africa navies compare in size?
Egypt's navy is 6.1 times larger than South Africa's in terms of total ships (275 vs 45).