Naval forces play a vital role in the realm of global maritime security. They protect trade routes, keep a check on piracy, smuggling, etc and also project power. The biggest navies of the world have the most modern warships with advanced technologies and systems, enabling them to shape global geopolitics. In this article, we will rank the Top 10 Biggest and most powerful navies in the world based on the rankings of the World Directory of Modern Military Warships, which uses a formula that takes into consideration all the factors, not just the size or number of ships in the naval fleet. This includes the level of modernisation in the fleet, logistical support, attack and defense capabilities, local shipyards, etc. As per this criteria, the biggest and strongest navy is the U.S Navy. Let’s take a look at the other members of this list comprising the biggest navies of the world. 1. U.S Navy The U.S. Navy has 232 ships in its active naval inventory. It boasts the biggest aircraft carrier fleet in the world, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, said to be one of the most advanced warships. Image Credits: Wikipedia The majority of its surface force is made of destroyers, with 74 active Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and 19 planned to enter service. It also has two active Zumwalt-class destroyers and one under trials. These ships comprise about 33% of its strength. The Navy also has Littoral Combat Ships and Amphibious Assault Ships. It also has the most capable submarine fleet in the world, with 53 fast attack submarines, 14 ballistic-missile submarines and 4 guided-missile submarines. 2. People’s Liberation Army Navy China has 405 ships in its active service, making it the biggest navy in the world, if the number of ships is taken as a criteria of classification. However, its fleet lags behind in terms of modernisation when compared with U.S. naval ships. Nonetheless, the PLAN Navy is growing rapidly, both in number and in technological upgrades, focusing on more advanced surface and undersea ships as well as critical support ships. Image Credits: Wikipedia It has a fixed-wing carrier fleet, numbering two units and a submarine fleet consisting of over 70 vessels with only a few beginning to age. Its fleet of destroyers and frigates is also relatively young. The navy also has 70 corvettes and 8 mine/countermine boats. The amphibious assault force is also considerable, and there are at least 24 ships on order. Its 127 Offshore patrol vessels make up around 31% of its total strength, followed by submarines at 18% and destroyers, frigates and corvettes, contributing 12% each. 3. Russian Navy The Russian Navy has 283 active ships in its fleet, of which corvettes make 31.2% of its strength, submarines 21%, and its 48 mine/countermine warfare ships make 18%. The fleet is quite balanced with battle cruisers, destroyers, offshore patrol ships and amphibious assault support ships. Moscow has just one aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, part of the Kuznetsov class. It has been the Russian Navy’s flagship since it was commissioned in 1990. Image Credits: Wikipedia The Navy’s 58 submarines and 4 cruisers are an aging force, while the frigate fleet has seen a few new additions. Corvettes make the biggest part of Russia’s surface combatant force, numbering 83, while more can be expected. Another significant force is the 50 offshore patrol vessels, which comprise 18% of its strength. 4. Indonesian Navy The Indonesian Navy is said to be the largest in Southe