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Navy comparison: Flag of France France vs Flag of Netherlands Netherlands

France's 80 warships outnumber Netherlands's 18 (4.4:1 advantage). Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 166 and 109.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of France FranceWorld #8 39.6
SEAS Index / 100

France leads on 8 of 8 categories

Naval ensign of Netherlands NetherlandsWorld #27 17.4
  • 1 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 0
  • 10 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 0
  • 9 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 3
  • 12 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 5
  • 3 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 2
  • 19 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 4
  • 24 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 4
  • 2 Unmannedweight ×2 · size, era 0
  • 86 Support shipsnot scored 9
  • 0 Other shipsnot scored 81
France Netherlands 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
France Netherlands Ratio
Official name French Navy Royal Netherlands Navy
Total ships 166 109 🇫🇷 1.5×
Active ships 166 108 🇫🇷 1.5×
On order / planned 12 26 🇳🇱 2.2×
Submarines 9 3 🇫🇷 3.0×
Principal surface combatants 22 5 🇫🇷 4.4×
Aircraft carriers 1 0 🇫🇷
Amphibious ships 3 2 🇫🇷 1.5×
Show full breakdown · 3 more rowsHide the 3 extra rows
Patrol boats 24 4 🇫🇷 6.0×
Mine warfare 19 4 🇫🇷 4.8×
Auxiliaries 86 90 🇳🇱 ≈
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇫🇷 FranceCharles de Gaulle-class ×1Barracuda-class ×4FREMM frigate-class ×8
🇳🇱 NetherlandsWalrus-class ×3De Zeven Provinciën-class ×4Rotterdam-class ×2
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, France or Netherlands?
France has a larger navy with 80 warships in service compared to Netherlands's 18.
Which navy has more submarines, France or Netherlands?
France operates more submarines with 9 compared to Netherlands's 3.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, France or Netherlands?
France has 1 aircraft carrier(s) compared to Netherlands's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, France or Netherlands?
France operates 10 destroyers compared to Netherlands's 0.
Which navy has more frigates, France or Netherlands?
France operates 12 frigates compared to Netherlands's 5.
How do the France and Netherlands navies compare in size?
France's navy is 4.4 times larger than Netherlands's in terms of total ships (80 vs 18).