Navy comparison: Japan vs South Korea
Japan operates a fleet of 154 ships compared to 155 for South Korea. The fleet breakdown includes 25 vs 22 submarines, 46 vs 13 destroyers, 4 vs 17 frigates, 0 vs 6 corvettes, 16 vs 23 amphibious ships, 6 vs 35 patrol boats, 22 vs 23 mine warfare ships (Japan vs South Korea). Japan's navy is officially the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, while South Korea's is the Republic of Korea Navy.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force 🇯🇵
| Official Name | Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force |
| Total ships | 154 as of 2025 |
| Active ships | 154 as of 2025 |
| Naval Ensign |
|
Republic of Korea Navy 🇰🇷
| Official Name | Republic of Korea Navy |
| Total ships | 155 as of 2025 |
| Active ships | 155 as of 2025 |
| Naval Ensign |
|
Japanese ships by category
| Ship category | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Submarines | 25 | |
| Aircraft carriers | 0 | |
| Destroyers | 46 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 4 | |
| Corvettes | 0 | |
| Coastal boats | 0 | |
| Patrol boats | 6 | |
| Amphibious ships | 16 | |
| Mine Warfare ships | 22 | |
| Cargo ships | 0 | |
| Support ships | 10 | |
| Other ships | 25 | |
South Korean ships by category
| Ship category | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Submarines | 22 | |
| Aircraft carriers | 0 | |
| Destroyers | 13 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 17 | |
| Corvettes | 6 | |
| Coastal boats | 0 | |
| Patrol boats | 35 | |
| Amphibious ships | 23 | |
| Mine Warfare ships | 23 | |
| Cargo ships | 0 | |
| Support ships | 4 | |
| Other ships | 12 | |
Ship Categories Radar Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more naval ships, Japan or South Korea?
South Korea has a larger navy with 155 ships compared to Japan's 154 ships.
Which navy has more submarines, Japan or South Korea?
Japan operates more submarines with 25 compared to South Korea's 22.
Which navy has more destroyers, Japan or South Korea?
Japan operates 46 destroyers compared to South Korea's 13.
Which navy has more frigates, Japan or South Korea?
South Korea operates 17 frigates compared to Japan's 4.