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Navy comparison: Flag of South Korea South Korea vs Flag of United States United States

United States's 226 warships outnumber South Korea's 112 (2.0:1 advantage). Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 151 and 465.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of South Korea South KoreaWorld #7 40.6
SEAS Index / 100

United States leads on 6 of 10 categories

Naval ensign of United States United StatesWorld #1 100.0
  • 0 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 11
  • 0 Cruisersweight ×80 · size, era 6
  • 13 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 77
  • 20 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 64
  • 18 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 0
  • 2 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 27
  • 9 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 37
  • 14 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 4
  • 18 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 0
  • 18 Coastal boatsweight ×1 · size, era 0
  • 4 Support shipsnot scored 2
  • 34 Other shipsnot scored 2
South Korea United States 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
South Korea United States Ratio
Official name Republic of Korea Navy United States Navy
Total ships 151 465 🇺🇸 3.1×
Active ships 150 230 🇺🇸 1.5×
On order / planned 13 81 🇺🇸 6.2×
Submarines 20 64 🇺🇸 3.2×
Principal surface combatants 31 83 🇺🇸 2.7×
Aircraft carriers 0 11 🇺🇸
Amphibious ships 9 37 🇺🇸 4.1×
Show full breakdown · 5 more rowsHide the 5 extra rows
Corvettes 2 27 🇺🇸 14×
Patrol boats 18 0 🇰🇷
Mine warfare 14 4 🇰🇷 3.5×
Coastal boats 18 0 🇰🇷
Auxiliaries 38 4 🇰🇷 9.5×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇰🇷 South KoreaSon Won-il-class ×9Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class ×6Daegu-class ×8
🇺🇸 United StatesNimitz-class ×10Virginia-class ×26Arleigh Burke-class ×75
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, South Korea or United States?
United States has a larger navy with 226 warships in service compared to South Korea's 112.
Which navy has more submarines, South Korea or United States?
United States operates more submarines with 64 compared to South Korea's 20.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, South Korea or United States?
United States has 11 aircraft carrier(s) compared to South Korea's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, South Korea or United States?
United States operates 77 destroyers compared to South Korea's 13.
Which navy has more frigates, South Korea or United States?
South Korea operates 18 frigates compared to United States's 0.
How do the South Korea and United States navies compare in size?
United States's navy is 2.0 times larger than South Korea's in terms of total ships (226 vs 112).