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Navy comparison: Flag of North Korea North Korea vs Flag of Russia Russia

North Korea operates 391 warships compared to 279 for Russia. Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 420 and 475.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of North Korea North KoreaWorld #26 17.9
SEAS Index / 100

Russia leads on 8 of 9 categories

Naval ensign of Russia RussiaWorld #3 69.7
  • 0 Cruisersweight ×80 · size, era 2
  • 2 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 6
  • 21 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 56
  • 2 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 12
  • 9 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 63
  • 0 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 17
  • 0 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 43
  • 181 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 64
  • 176 Coastal boatsweight ×1 · size, era 16
  • 1 Support shipsnot scored 111
  • 0 Cargo shipsnot scored 5
  • 1 Other shipsnot scored 61
North Korea Russia 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
North Korea Russia Ratio
Official name Korean People's Army Naval Force Russian Navy
Total ships 420 475 🇷🇺 1.1×
Active ships 393 456 🇷🇺 1.2×
On order / planned 3 73 🇷🇺 24×
Submarines 21 56 🇷🇺 2.7×
Principal surface combatants 4 20 🇷🇺 5.0×
Amphibious ships 0 17 🇷🇺
Show full breakdown · 5 more rowsHide the 5 extra rows
Corvettes 9 63 🇷🇺 7.0×
Patrol boats 181 64 🇰🇵 2.8×
Mine warfare 0 43 🇷🇺
Coastal boats 176 16 🇰🇵 11×
Auxiliaries 2 177 🇷🇺 88×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇰🇵 North KoreaRomeo-class ×20Choe Hyon-class ×2Najin-class ×2
🇷🇺 RussiaImproved Kilo-class ×10Project 1155-class ×6Admiral Grigorovich-class ×3
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, North Korea or Russia?
North Korea has a larger navy with 391 warships in service compared to Russia's 279.
Which navy has more submarines, North Korea or Russia?
Russia operates more submarines with 56 compared to North Korea's 21.
Which navy has more destroyers, North Korea or Russia?
Russia operates 6 destroyers compared to North Korea's 2.
Which navy has more frigates, North Korea or Russia?
Russia operates 12 frigates compared to North Korea's 2.