23/11/2025
The 2025 rankings of the world’s strongest navies, based on the World Directory of Modern Military Warships (WDMMW), reveal a commanding lead by China, Russia, and Indonesia. China tops the list with 405 warships, showcasing its rapid naval expansion and strategic focus on maritime dominance. Russia follows with 283 warships, maintaining a sizable fleet despite geopolitical and economic pressures. In third place, Indonesia records 245 warships, marking a significant rise and highlighting its growing commitment to securing vast maritime territories across the Indonesian archipelago.
These top three nations reflect diverse strategic priorities. China’s continued investment in advanced vessels strengthens its presence in the Indo-Pacific, while Russia sustains its traditional naval capabilities across multiple seas. Indonesia’s emergence in the top three is especially noteworthy, as it underscores Southeast Asia’s increasing emphasis on naval modernization. With one of the world’s longest coastlines, Indonesia is investing heavily in patrol ships, frigates, and maritime security operations to safeguard its waters.
Beyond the leaders, the list features other major naval powers such as the United States, South Korea, Japan, and India—all of which maintain robust fleets with advanced technologies. Turkey, France, and the United Kingdom complete the top ten. Overall, the data highlights a shifting global naval landscape, with Asia—particularly East and Southeast Asia—playing an increasingly influential role in shaping maritime security and power projection worldwide.