Top 10 countries among the elusive club of destroyer-fleet owners in 2025

An apparent yet elusive measure of a country’s naval might and international military might is its destroyer fleet.

• Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 countries among the elusive club of destroyer-fleet owners.
• This list is courtesy of data from Global FirePower.
• The United States ranks number 1 on the list.

Only 13 nations have at least one destroyer in their fleet, according to Global FirePower, highlighting the rarity and strategic importance of these cutting-edge multipurpose surface ships.

However, what benefits do these countries have?

Among the most potent non-carrier warships, destroyers may carry out a variety of combat missions.

Their owners project strong naval might, guaranteeing their capacity to conduct authoritative operations on international seas.

These vessels let a country keep a visible military presence far from home, defend trade lines, and ward off possible attackers.

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Modern destroyers are outfitted with sophisticated air defense systems that can intercept airplanes, drones, and ballistic missiles.

Destroyers, with systems like the Aegis Combat System, can track and eliminate airborne threats, making them an important part of the fleet defense and strategic deterrent.

Furthermore, destroyers are equipped with powerful offensive weapons systems and anti-ship missiles, which allow them to efficiently fight surface threats.

Whether escorting high-value assets such as aircraft carriers or commanding independent operations, destroyers are adaptable in engaging opposing vessels and establishing maritime supremacy.

Nations with significant naval aspirations use destroyer fleets to project influence beyond their boundaries.

Destroyers, ultimately contribute to a country’s military strength by maintaining a presence in vital seas, discouraging conflicts, and supporting partner operations.

With that said, here are the 10 countries in the world with the most destroyers, according to data from Global FirePower.

The other three countries with at least one destroyer fleet include Argentina with 3 down from 4 last year, when it was on the top 10 list, Australia, also with 3, and Italy with the same number.

Top 10 countries with the largest destroyer fleets in 2025