Navy comparison: United Kingdom vs Iran
United Kingdom operates a fleet of 80 ships compared to 97 for Iran. Of these, 63 and 97 are in active service respectively. The fleet breakdown includes 9 vs 6 submarines, 2 vs 1 aircraft carriers, 6 vs 0 destroyers, 8 vs 7 frigates, 0 vs 9 corvettes, 0 vs 24 amphibious ships, 26 vs 21 patrol boats, 18 vs 1 mine warfare ships (United Kingdom vs Iran). United Kingdom's navy is officially the Royal Navy, while Iran's is the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy.
Royal Navy 🇬🇧
| Official Name | Royal Navy |
| Total ships | 80 as of 2025 |
| Active ships | 63 as of 2025 |
| Naval Ensign |
|
Islamic Republic of Iran Navy 🇮🇷
| Official Name | Islamic Republic of Iran Navy |
| Total ships | 97 as of 2025 |
| Active ships | 97 as of 2025 |
| Naval Ensign |
|
British ships by category
| Ship category | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Submarines | 9 | |
| Aircraft carriers | 2 | |
| Destroyers | 6 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 8 | |
| Corvettes | 0 | |
| Coastal boats | 0 | |
| Patrol boats | 26 | |
| Amphibious ships | 0 | |
| Mine Warfare ships | 18 | |
| Cargo ships | 0 | |
| Support ships | 7 | |
| Other ships | 4 | |
Iranian ships by category
| Ship category | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Submarines | 6 | |
| Aircraft carriers | 1 | |
| Destroyers | 0 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 7 | |
| Corvettes | 9 | |
| Coastal boats | 0 | |
| Patrol boats | 21 | |
| Amphibious ships | 24 | |
| Mine Warfare ships | 1 | |
| Cargo ships | 0 | |
| Support ships | 17 | |
| Other ships | 11 | |
Ship Categories Radar Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more naval ships, United Kingdom or Iran?
Iran has a larger navy with 97 ships compared to United Kingdom's 80 ships.
Which navy has more submarines, United Kingdom or Iran?
United Kingdom operates more submarines with 9 compared to Iran's 6.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, United Kingdom or Iran?
United Kingdom has 2 aircraft carrier(s) compared to Iran's 1.
Which navy has more destroyers, United Kingdom or Iran?
United Kingdom operates 6 destroyers compared to Iran's 0.
Which navy has more frigates, United Kingdom or Iran?
United Kingdom operates 8 frigates compared to Iran's 7.