India Missed Out, See Where China And Pakistan Stand

Washington: The latest ranking of the world’s most powerful navies leaves India out of the top five. China and Pakistan are growing in influence as their fleets expand. The World Directory of Modern Warships and Submarines (WDMMW) has published a global list using a “Actual Value Rating” that goes beyond numbers and focuses on overall combat power and modernization.

The United States is at the top with its unique power and eleven aircraft carriers. China follows with rapid fleet growth, surpassing Washington in numbers in some areas. Its overall combat capability puts Beijing in second place. Indonesia, South Korea and Japan are above India on the list.

South Korea ranks fifth with approximately 155 ships in service. Its navy has 22 submarines, an aircraft carrier under construction and approximately 70,000 personnel, including sailors. The FFX Batch IV frigate program enhances anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities. South Korea positions itself strategically in the Asia-Pacific.

Indonesia ranks fourth with approximately 245 ships. The Navy is developing “blue water” capabilities to secure the archipelago’s sea lanes. Its fleet consists of frigates, submarines, patrol ships, amphibious ships and other vessels.

Russia ranks third with its complex naval power. Its fleet includes nuclear-capable submarines, advanced anti-ship missiles, ballistic missile submarines and nuclear attack submarines. Surface ships carry long-range hypersonic Zircon and cruise-caliber missiles.

China ranks second with continuous modernization. The fleet is rapidly expanding in terms of number and technology. There are three aircraft carriers in the country, the fourth of which is under construction. We plan to reach nine carriers by 2035. WDMMW highlights China’s modernization as a key factor in its growing dominance.

The United States is number one with its comprehensive combat capabilities. Eleven aircraft carriers are mostly nuclear powered. A large fleet of surface ships and submarines includes the Virginia-class attack submarines. Modern light battleships complement traditional cruisers.

Japan ranks sixth. India ranks seventh with a True Value Rating of 100.5. The Indian Navy has two aircraft carriers, 19 submarines, seventy-four fleet corvettes and five amphibious assault units. INS Vikrant joins with INS Vikramaditya in 2022. India has two nuclear-powered Arihant-class submarines capable of launching missiles.

Pakistan is ranked twenty-sixth. Its navy has no aircraft carriers. It operates eight submarines and 28 fleet corvettes. China is delivering AIP-equipped submarines to Pakistan. These ships are still in the training phase and have not yet become operational. Full deployment is expected to occur within one to two years.