World War II saw extensive use of submarines for combat, reconnaissance, and supply missions. The major naval powers built and deployed submarines in large numbers, using them to disrupt enemy supply lines and engage warships. Here’s a breakdown of the number of submarines used by different countries during WWII:
World War II saw massive submarine fleets in action! Here’s how many each country deployed during the war:
🔹 Germany 🇩🇪 – 1,162 U-boats
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Master of the Battle of the Atlantic – German U-boats targeted Allied convoys with devastating results.
🔹 United States 🇺🇸 – 288 Submarines
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Played a key role in the Pacific, sinking over 1,300 Japanese ships!
🔹 Japan 🇯🇵 – 174 Submarines
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Famous for the I-400-class and Kaiten suicide torpedoes, Japan’s subs were crucial but faced challenges.
🔹 United Kingdom 🇬🇧 – 208 Submarines
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The Royal Navy used subs to attack Axis supply lines in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
🔹 Soviet Union 🇷🇺 – 218 Submarines
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Soviet subs became highly effective against German convoys in the Baltic and Arctic Seas.
🔹 Italy 🇮🇹 – 115 Submarines
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The Italian Navy played a role in the Mediterranean, though their subs weren’t as effective.
🔹 France 🇫🇷 – 77 Submarines
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France had a solid fleet before the German invasion, many later joined the Free French Forces.
Other countries also contributed to the submarine battle:
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Netherlands 🇳🇱 – 26
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Finland 🇫🇮 – 5
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Poland 🇵🇱 – 5
🔹 Germany – 1,162 Submarines
Germany’s Kriegsmarine relied heavily on U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic to target Allied convoys. Despite their early success, advanced sonar and depth charges eventually reduced their effectiveness.
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Most Common: Type VII U-boat
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Most Advanced: Type XXI (first true submarine capable of prolonged underwater operations)
🔹 United States – 288 Submarines
The U.S. Navy deployed submarines primarily in the Pacific Theater, where they played a major role in sinking over 1,300 Japanese ships, including 60% of Japan’s merchant fleet.
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Most Common: Gato-class
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Most Effective: Balao-class
🔹 Japan – 174 Submarines
Japan’s submarines were technologically advanced, including the I-400-class (largest submarines of WWII, designed to carry aircraft). However, Japan focused more on attacking warships than disrupting supply lines, limiting their strategic impact.
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Notable: Kaiten (manned suicide torpedoes)
🔹 United Kingdom – 208 Submarines
The Royal Navy used submarines effectively in the Atlantic, Arctic, and Mediterranean, targeting Axis supply routes. British subs played a crucial role in sinking Italian and German ships.
🔹 Soviet Union – 218 Submarines
The Soviet Navy deployed submarines in the Baltic, Black, and Arctic Seas. While Soviet subs faced early difficulties, they later improved their effectiveness against German convoys.
🔹 Italy – 115 Submarines
Italy operated a large submarine fleet in the Mediterranean, but they struggled due to poor coordination and outdated tactics.
🔹 France – 77 Submarines
Before Germany invaded in 1940, France had a sizable fleet. Some were captured or destroyed, while others joined the Free French Forces later in the war.
🔹 Other Nations:
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Netherlands – 26
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Finland – 5
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Poland – 5
