List Of Countries With Maximum Number Of Nuclear Submarines: Know Where India And Pakistan Rank

Countries With Nuclear Submarines:  The recent India-Pakistan conflict has sparked a heightened interest among citizens regarding their nation's defence capabilities. Additionally, discussions about nuclear submarines have garnered significant attention online, fueling curiosity and debate. Nuclear submarines are powered by nuclear reactors and stay underwater for a longer period. The world’s most advanced navies rely on nuclear-powered submarines for stealth, endurance, and strategic deterrence. These nuclear submarines carry ballistic and cruise missiles. 

Only a handful of nations possess nuclear submarines, which highlight the nation’s technological advancement and significant defence investment. Here’s a list of countries with the maximum number of nuclear submarines, according to the Statista report. 

Countries With the Largest Nuclear Submarine Fleets (2025): 

List Of Countries With The Largest Number Of Nuclear Submarines In 2025: 

1. United States

The United States has the largest number of nuclear submarines in the world. The United States Navy have about 66 nuclear-powered submarines, both ballistic missile submarines (SSBNS) and attack submarines (SSNS). These nuclear submarines showcase global naval supremacy.

2. Russia

Russia has the second-largest nuclear submarines in the world, with 31 nuclear-powered submarines. Russian submarines have a mix of SSBNs and SSNs to secure their sea borders.

3. China

China is the third-largest number of nuclear submarines in the world. The nation has currently around 12 nuclear-powered submarines, with the main focus on establishing its presence in the Indo-Pacific nuclear deterrent.

4. United Kingdom

The UK has four Vanguard-class SSBNs, which are the backbone of its nuclear arsenal, and a number of Astute-class SSNs. The Royal Navy's nuclear submarine fleet is small but technologically sophisticated and critical to the defense of the nation.

5. France

France has a fleet of four Triomphant-class SSBNs and a number of Rubis/ Suffren-class SSNs. Similar to the UK submarine arsenal, France's nuclear subs offer a secure second-strike capabiliy. 

6. India

India is the only South Asian nation to have nuclear-powered submarines. India currently has two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines operational (Arihant-class) as of 2025 and is heavily investing in building its fleet. The nation is also planning to bring upcoming additions like SSBNs and SSNs in the near future. 

7. Pakistan

Pakistan does not have any nuclear-powered submarines in service. However, India’s neighbouring nation has its own conventional submarines (diesel-electric). 

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