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

India's 357-ship navy outnumbers South Africa's 49 vessels (7.3:1 advantage). Of these, 353 and 49 are in active service respectively.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of India IndiaWorld #5 47.7
SEAS Index / 100

India leads on 7 of 8 categories

Flag of South Africa South AfricaWorld #34 13.6
  • 2 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 0
  • 13 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 0
  • 19 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 3
  • 20 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 4
  • 24 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 0
  • 5 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 0
  • 0 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 2
  • 144 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 33
  • 118 Support shipsnot scored 7
  • 8 Other shipsnot scored 0
India 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
India South Africa Ratio
Official name Indian Navy South African Navy
Total ships 357 49 🇮🇳 7.3×
Active ships 353 49 🇮🇳 7.2×
Submarines 19 3 🇮🇳 6.3×
Principal surface combatants 33 4 🇮🇳 8.2×
Aircraft carriers 2 0 🇮🇳
Amphibious ships 5 0 🇮🇳
Show full breakdown · 4 more rowsHide the 4 extra rows
Corvettes 24 0 🇮🇳
Patrol boats 144 33 🇮🇳 4.4×
Mine warfare 0 2 🇿🇦
Auxiliaries 126 7 🇮🇳 18×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇮🇳 IndiaVikramaditya-class ×1Kalvari-class ×6Visakhapatnam-class ×4
🇿🇦 South AfricaHeroine-class ×3Valour-class ×4
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, India or South Africa?
India has a larger navy with 357 ships compared to South Africa's 49 ships.
Which navy has more submarines, India or South Africa?
India operates more submarines with 20 compared to South Africa's 3.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, India or South Africa?
India has 2 aircraft carrier(s) compared to South Africa's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, India or South Africa?
India operates 13 destroyers compared to South Africa's 0.
Which navy has more frigates, India or South Africa?
India operates 23 frigates compared to South Africa's 4.
How do the India and South Africa navies compare in size?
India's navy is 7.3 times larger than South Africa's in terms of total ships (357 vs 49).