In this article, we take a look at the 10 strongest countries in Europe by military power. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the European military dynamics, go directly to 25 Strongest Countries in Europe by Military Power.
10. Sweden
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 12
GDP Ranking: 11
Average Ranking: 11.5
Sweden has a well-trained and well-equipped military force that includes modern weapons systems, advanced technology, and highly trained personnel. Sweden has also invested in advanced technologies, such as stealth technology and network-centric warfare capabilities, which make its military more effective in combat situations. Additionally, Sweden has a strong tradition of neutrality and has not been involved in any major military conflicts in recent history.
9. The Netherlands
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 13
GDP Ranking: 7
Average Ranking: 10
The military of the Netherlands, known as the Dutch Armed Forces, is considered to be a modern and well-equipped force. It is primarily focused on national defense, as well as contributing to international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
8. Poland
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 7
GDP Ranking: 10
Average Ranking: 8.5
Poland has a relatively strong military compared to many other countries in Europe.In recent years, Poland has made significant investments in modernizing its military, including upgrading its air defense capabilities, acquiring new fighter jets, and modernizing its armored vehicles. The country has also increased its defense spending and has committed to meeting NATO’s defense spending targets.
7. Spain
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 8
GDP Ranking: 6
Average Ranking: 7
The Spanish military is considered to be a moderately powerful force in Europe. While it may not have the largest military in the region, it is a capable and professional force with modern equipment and well-trained personnel. Its military operates 11 frigates, 140 fighter jets and 327 tank units and four military satellites as of 2023.
6. Turkey
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 5
GDP Ranking: 8
Average Ranking: 6.5
Turkey is one of the most militarily powerful countries in Europe, with a global-firepower-index score of 0.2016. It is the Eighth biggest economy on the continent, which affords it a strong military. The Turkish navy operates 16 frigates, 12 submarines and 9 corvettes.
The Turkish military has a strong history of successful military campaigns, including its involvement in NATO-led peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations, as well as its interventions in northern Syria and Libya. It also maintains a significant presence in Cyprus, where it has a peacekeeping force.
5. Germany
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 9
GDP Ranking: 1
Average Ranking: 5
The German navy operates 12 frigates, 5 corvettes and 6 submarines. Its air force inventory consists of 601 aircraft, 134 of which are fighter jets including F-35s. Its army operates 266 tanks and 121 self-propelled artillery guns. The military is also operating seven satellites and 670 drones in total.
Germany is also a key member of NATO and plays an important role in the alliance’s collective defense efforts. The Bundeswehr regularly participates in joint military exercises and operations with other NATO member countries, contributing its expertise and resources to the alliance’s mission of ensuring the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region.
4. Italy
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 4
GDP Ranking: 4
Average Ranking: 4
The Italian Armed Forces are well-regarded for their professionalism and capabilities. They are able to effectively defend the country and contribute to international peacekeeping efforts. In recent years, the Italian government has increased its defense spending and is committed to meeting NATO’s defense spending targets. This has enabled the Italian military to continue to modernize and upgrade its equipment and technology.
3. France
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 3
GDP Ranking: 3
Average Ranking: 3
France is one of the strongest countries in Europe by military power. The country is armed with roughly 300 nuclear weapons.
France is also a key member of NATO and plays an important role in the alliance’s collective defense efforts. The French military regularly participates in joint military exercises and operations with other NATO member countries, contributing its expertise and resources to the alliance’s mission of ensuring the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region.
The French military has a long history of successful military interventions, including in Mali and the Central African Republic, where French troops were able to restore order and stability to the region. The French military also played a leading role in the coalition that intervened in Libya in 2011.
It is home to some of the most advanced arms-manufacturing companies, the notable of which is Dassault Aviation SE.
2. Russia
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 1
GDP Ranking: 5
Average Ranking: 3
Russia is the foremost nuclear superpower in the world, with nearly 6,000 nuclear weapons. It is often regarded as the second strongest military power in the world behind the US.
However, there are three crucial reasons why it didn’t take the number one spot; It’s strong but lags behind a few other European countries in power-projection capabilities through number of aircraft carriers and land bases, its economy is not as strong as some other countries on the list and much of its military infrastructure is still in the process of modernization.
1. United Kingdom
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 2
GDP Ranking: 2
Average Ranking: 2
The UK’s military has a long history of successful military interventions, including in Afghanistan and Iraq, where British troops were able to restore order and stability to the region. The British military also played a leading role in the coalition that intervened in Libya in 2011.
In addition to its military capabilities, the United Kingdom also has a strong defense industry, with a number of leading defense companies such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and QinetiQ. These companies provide Britain with advanced military technology and equipment, as well as contributing to the country’s economy.
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