Africa’s militaries may not match the global giants, but the continent quietly maintains a presence in strategic naval power, especially through submarines. Submarines remain a key tool for maritime security, deterrence, and control over vital sea lanes, and several African countries are investing to maintain a foothold in this domain.
Globally, Russia and the United States lead with 66 submarines each, while China follows closely with 61, according to Global Firepower.
On the continent, Egypt holds the lead with eight submarines, the largest fleet in Africa. While the fleet size hasn’t changed since last year, Egypt moved up in the global rankings from 14th to 13th, likely due to changes in other nations’ standings rather than new acquisitions.
Below are the African countries with the most submarines at the start of 2026:
1. Egypt (8 Submarines)
Ranked 13th globally with eight submarines, Egypt operates a diverse and technically capable undersea fleet. The navy fields four modern German-built Type 209/1400 diesel-electric submarines alongside four ex-Chinese Romeo-class boats that have undergone extensive Western upgrades.
The modernised Romeo-class submarines are equipped with Western periscopes, trailing GPS, passive sonar systems, updated fire-control systems, and the capability to launch U.S.-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Together, the fleet supports intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), sea-denial, and strike operations across the Mediterranean and Red Sea, while reinforcing security around the Suez Canal and regional maritime chokepoints.
2. Algeria (6 Submarines)
Ranked 16th globally with six submarines, Algeria operates a technically advanced undersea fleet anchored by Russian-built Kilo-class vessels. The force includes four newer Project 636 Varshavyanka (Improved Kilo) submarines and two older Kilo 877EKM units delivered in the 1980s and later modernized in Russia between 2005 and 2010.
Armed with torpedoes, mines, and Kalibr cruise missiles, the fleet underpins Algeria’s sea-denial, deterrence, and offshore energy protection strategy in the western Mediterranean.
3. South Africa (3 Submarines)
Ranked 34th globally with three submarines, South Africa operates a small but technically sophisticated undersea fleet based on German-built Heroine-class (Type 209/1400) diesel-electric attack submarines. Commissioned between 2005 and 2008, the vessels—SAS Mantatisi, SAS Charlotte Maxeke, and SAS Queen Modjadji I—are designed for blue-water patrols, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
While maintenance and funding constraints mean only one submarine is currently operational, the class remains central to monitoring strategic sea lanes around the Cape of Good Hope and preserving undersea warfare expertise within the South African Navy.
