Navy comparison: Netherlands vs South Africa
Netherlands operates a fleet of 38 ships compared to 49 for South Africa. The fleet breakdown includes 3 vs 3 submarines, 6 vs 4 frigates, 2 vs 0 amphibious ships, 7 vs 33 patrol boats, 6 vs 2 mine warfare ships (Netherlands vs South Africa). Netherlands's navy is officially the Royal Netherlands Navy, while South Africa's is the South African Navy.
Royal Netherlands Navy 🇳🇱
| Official Name | Royal Netherlands Navy |
| Total ships | 38 as of 2025 |
| Active ships | 38 as of 2025 |
| Naval Ensign |
|
South African Navy 🇿🇦
| Official Name | South African Navy |
| Total ships | 49 as of 2025 |
| Active ships | 49 as of 2025 |
Netherlands ships by category
| Ship category | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Submarines | 3 | |
| Aircraft carriers | 0 | |
| Destroyers | 0 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 6 | |
| Corvettes | 0 | |
| Coastal boats | 0 | |
| Patrol boats | 7 | |
| Amphibious ships | 2 | |
| Mine Warfare ships | 6 | |
| Cargo ships | 0 | |
| Support ships | 8 | |
| Other ships | 6 | |
South African ships by category
| Ship category | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Submarines | 3 | |
| Aircraft carriers | 0 | |
| Destroyers | 0 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 4 | |
| Corvettes | 0 | |
| Coastal boats | 0 | |
| Patrol boats | 33 | |
| Amphibious ships | 0 | |
| Mine Warfare ships | 2 | |
| Cargo ships | 0 | |
| Support ships | 7 | |
| Other ships | 0 | |
Ship Categories Radar Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more naval ships, Netherlands or South Africa?
South Africa has a larger navy with 49 ships compared to Netherlands's 38 ships.
Which navy has more submarines, Netherlands or South Africa?
South Africa operates more submarines with 3 compared to Netherlands's 3.
Which navy has more frigates, Netherlands or South Africa?
Netherlands operates 6 frigates compared to South Africa's 4.