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Navy comparison: Flag of Australia Australia vs Flag of New Zealand New Zealand

Australia's 42 warships outnumber New Zealand's 6 (7.0:1 advantage). Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 60 and 15.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of Australia AustraliaWorld #14 23.6
SEAS Index / 100

Australia leads on 6 of 7 categories

Naval ensign of New Zealand New ZealandWorld #58 6.8
  • 3 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 0
  • 6 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 0
  • 7 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 2
  • 3 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 1
  • 2 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 0
  • 20 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 1
  • 1 Unmannedweight ×2 · size, era 2
  • 2 Support shipsnot scored 1
  • 14 Other shipsnot scored 5
Australia New Zealand 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
Australia New Zealand Ratio
Official name Royal Australian Navy Royal New Zealand Navy
Total ships 60 15 🇦🇺 4.0×
Active ships 58 12 🇦🇺 4.8×
On order / planned 19 0 🇦🇺
Submarines 6 0 🇦🇺
Principal surface combatants 10 2 🇦🇺 5.0×
Amphibious ships 3 1 🇦🇺 3.0×
Show full breakdown · 3 more rowsHide the 3 extra rows
Patrol boats 20 1 🇦🇺 20×
Mine warfare 2 0 🇦🇺
Auxiliaries 16 6 🇦🇺 2.7×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇦🇺 AustraliaCollins-class ×6Hobart-class ×3Anzac-class ×7
🇳🇿 New ZealandAnzac-class ×2
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, Australia or New Zealand?
Australia has a larger navy with 42 warships in service compared to New Zealand's 6.
Which navy has more submarines, Australia or New Zealand?
Australia operates more submarines with 6 compared to New Zealand's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, Australia or New Zealand?
Australia operates 3 destroyers compared to New Zealand's 0.
Which navy has more frigates, Australia or New Zealand?
Australia operates 7 frigates compared to New Zealand's 2.
How do the Australia and New Zealand navies compare in size?
Australia's navy is 7.0 times larger than New Zealand's in terms of total ships (42 vs 6).