The Navy or the Navy is considered the second oldest military branch in a number of coastal countries. The difference between the two concepts is insignificant, as a rule, it simply consists in replacing the last word, so we will not go into details of the differences between the Navy and the Navy. The fleet allows you to protect the country's sea borders from the alleged invasion of neighboring states. Also, the Navy makes it possible to strike at land positions of the enemy from the sea. A powerful fleet is a significant support and support to the armed forces.
Do you know that the Navy can be classified into “blue” and “green”? The first one has the provisional name of “blue waters” and has enough power to conduct military operations thousands of kilometers from its bases, the second conducts activities not far from its location. Of course, the “blue” fleet is much more efficient than the “green” one, now only 7 countries can boast of it: USA, Italy, Great Britain, China, Russia, France and India. These seven powers are among the ten countries with the most powerful navy in the world.
Previously, almost all collisions at sea occurred head-on. That is, ships with guns on both sides fired at each other, trying to maneuver to take a more advantageous position. However, the modern Navy and their changes minimize the possibility of direct battles between ships. Now they are mainly used for covert attacks, transporting aircraft, transporting military equipment and hiding nuclear facilities in the ocean. But enough preludes, let's move on to 10 countries that have the most powerful naval asset on the planet.
Attention! The data provided in the article are relevant at the beginning of 2019 and may slightly differ from the actual situation.
10
Taiwan (Naval Forces of the Republic of China)
State: 38,000
Taiwan is an island nation that has long been in conflict with the PRC after the Chinese Civil War and the subsequent separation of the Republic of China. The rivalry with a world power has complicated the situation of Taiwan, as a result of which many countries and international communities refuse to sell military equipment to them (although it is difficult to deny US assistance to Taiwan). This forces Taiwan to engage in the independent development and construction of submarines. Today, this small country possesses almost all types of naval weapons, except for aircraft carriers.
9
Italy (Marina Militare)
State: 30,923
The current Naval Forces of Italy, formerly called the Royal Navy (Regia Marina), have existed since 1946. Their formation occurred immediately after the end of World War II. Once, “Regia Marina” was considered the 4th largest naval force in the world, but lost its power in the middle of the 20th century. Nevertheless, the current situation of the Italian Navy is much better than many countries of the world, and allows them to enter not only the top 10, but also belong to the fleet with a "blue" marking. It not only has an advanced technological aircraft carrier, but also contains modern destroyers.
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8
South Korea (Naval Forces of the Republic of Korea)
State: 70 thousand people
The Navy of the Republic of Korea is the most advanced, technologically equipped and strong fleet on the Korean peninsula (although the "competition" is held only between the two countries, but it is extremely important). After the Korean War, both South and North Korea began to build up their military power. In particular, building more equipped naval vessels that were designed to deter aggression between the two states. As the economy of South Korea grew, it began to break into the lead in military equipment, building more technologically advanced vessels than their northern neighbor. Today, despite all the statements made by Kim Jong-un, South Korea has gone far ahead of its ideological and political rivals.
7
India (Naval forces of India)
State: 67 109 people
During the colonial government, the East India Company formed a navy in India (1612) to protect its possessions. It was renamed several times and made up the main forces on the sea of the colony at that time, protecting merchant ships from attack. 3 years after independence, India created its own naval forces (1950). The first ships of the Indian Navy were bought in the USSR. Even today, the state is armed with several Soviet-made and Russian-made ships, including the only INS Chakra aircraft carrier and submarine. The Indian fleet is the only Navy based in South Asia to be in the top 10 most powerful fleets in the world.
6
France (Marine Nationale)
State: 36 331
Marine Nationale, also called La Royale, was formed in 1624, and is one of the oldest navies in the world. La Royale played an important role in the creation of the French colonial empire. According to historians, the French army took part in 168 wars, winning 109. Such an army should have strong support from the sea to protect its shores, which is why France has La Royale. The technological boom of the 20th century helps the French Navy build well-equipped warships, considered one of the best in the world.
5
Great Britain (Royal Navy of Great Britain)
State: 33,280
Four and a half centuries ago, when your great-great-grandfathers were still born, the Royal Navy of Great Britain existed - the oldest military unit of the British Kingdom. Therefore, it is also called the oldest service in the United Kingdom. The British Royal Navy has a rich history of battles with other European powers, in particular with Spain and Holland, as well as its eternal rivals the French. According to the results of the First World War, the British Navy was considered the most powerful in the world, but after the Second World War the balance of power changed and the USSR and the USA came to the fore. Nevertheless, the British have much to be proud of, because their naval weapons are one of the most powerful in Europe.
4
Japan (Naval Self-Defense Forces of Japan)
Staff: 50,800
Japan is as well developed in the naval industry as in the economic one. The traces of the Japanese armed fleet date back to the 3rd century AD or the Kofun period. At that time, his only task was to transport the ground forces. In 1869, the Royal Navy of Japan was formed, the arsenal of which consisted of many ships. This name existed until the end of World War II, when the fleet was renamed the Naval Self-Defense Forces of Japan. At present, the Japanese Navy does not have an aircraft carrier, but they have 4 helicopter destroyers or helicopter carriers that compensate for the absence of vessels with an airstrip for aircraft. Remembering the Second World War, the Japanese are always proud that they are the only Asian country that dealt a direct blow to American territory.
3
Russia (Navy of the Russian Federation)
State: 148,000
According to the World Resources Institute, Russia has more than 110 thousand km of coastline, which obliges our country to have powerful naval forces to protect the coastal zone. Our navy rightfully occupies the third position due to the large number of personnel, corvettes and submarines. But the matter is not only in quantity, Russian submarines are considered one of the best in the world. The Russian Federation is also in second place in terms of the number of cruisers in service with the Navy.
2
China (Naval Forces of the People's Republic of China)
State: 255,000
Perhaps there is no state that has made such a quantitative and qualitative leap in the formation of the naval forces as China. Back in 1980, the country had ships suitable for military operations only in river areas, but 35 years later, it became the owner of one of the most powerful fleets with a “blue” marking. Now the Navy of the People's Liberation Army of China has a huge number of warships for surface and underwater combat. With such indicators, China is the leading naval power in Asia.
1
USA (US Naval Forces)
State: 323,197 people
The US Navy was formed in 1775. Now he rightfully occupies a leading position in the world ranking, possessing both the most impressive tonnage and the most advanced vessels from the point of view of technology. The United States is armed with the largest number of aircraft carriers (11 in operation, 1 in reserve), in addition, 2 more vessels are under construction. The Nimitz class aircraft carrier is the world's largest ship in operation. The United States also has impressive personnel: more than 323 thousand active employees and over 108 thousand in reserve. Such figures leave no doubt: to compete with the States at sea is not an easy task.
Finally
We will be happy to wait for your comments on this topic! Share your opinion on the fairness of our ranking, which countries deserve to be here and which are not deservedly listed.