Countries should be careful when treading with these 11 European countries with the highest military strength. Despite how most nations today are at an era of peace, most people believe that having a consistently prepared military force is needed to combat possible threats. It’s not only nations that are a threat today but terrorist and rebel groups have been appearing and spreading their influence on different parts of the world. With that said, it is not easy to maintain a military force. You have to pay for their well-being, equipment, service, etc.
Historically speaking, European countries have a few of the strongest nations ever recorded to participate in wars. In fact, a lot of the tension of previous major wars in the past has had a lot to do with the military power from Europe. So it’s no surprise that you’ll find a lot of these countries listed in the 10 Most Powerful Military Countries in the World. Because of the potential threat that some of these countries emanate it’s no surprise that other countries have been treading carefully. One can never be too careful as war can usually mean a lot of resources and lives lost.
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The information compiled by Insider Monkey is ranked based on a Power Index Research done by Global Firepower. The index takes into account 40 factors like numbers, equipment and vehicles in order to rank nations accordingly. The system uses a lower point value to measure power, meaning the lower the score the higher the military capability. Be aware of the fact that one can never truly know the full information of a country’s military might. Let’s find out more about these 11 European countries with the highest military strength.
11. Spain
Power Index: 1.0641
The Spanish military known as the Spanish Armed Forces or SAF are the Army, Navy and Air Force of Spain. They are active participants of peacekeeping missions by the UN and are also part of NATO. They have more than 120,000 active soldiers not including the reserves and Civil Guard.
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10. Netherlands
Power Index: 1.0281
The armed forces of the Netherlands are divided into the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Constabulary. Their army ranking has similarities with that of the UK and the US. They also maintain armed forces stationed at the nearby small islands of Aruba and Curacao.
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9. Austria
Power Index: 0.9444
Since Austria is a landlocked country they have no navy aside from ships patrolling the River Danube. Their armed forces are also known as the joint forces that consist of Land, Air, Special Forces, Mission Support and the Joint Command Support Centre.
8. Switzerland
Power Index: 0.8942
Despite Switzerland having higher military power than most countries in Europe, they’ve been historically known to decline participating in conflicts of other countries. They maintain a roster of around 200,000 soldiers that are also known to keep all equipment with them even when not actively on duty.
7. Czech Republic
Power Index: 0.8748
The Army of the Czech Republic consists of Land, Air and Support units. After a major reorganization of their military they decided to join NATO. The problem that the Czech Army has been encountering lately is a lack of funding by the government which they hope to address with increase of the economy.
6. Ukraine
Power Index: 0.8214
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have an interesting take on their military structure. Their navy maintains their own infantry and aerial force independent of the actual Army and Air Force. After the conflict with Russia many volunteers opted to become militia and were later absorbed by the National Guard, increasing Ukraine’s military power.
Military strength continues to increase as we go through the second half of this list of 11 European countries with the highest military strength.
5. Poland
Power Index: 0.6688
Poland has been one of the major contributors during the ISAF mission of NATO to Afghanistan. They sent around 8,500 soldiers to assist in the Iraq War as well. Their military force comprises of Land, Air, Navy and Special Forces.
4. Italy
Power Index: 0.5735
The Italian Army is the third largest in Europe and the fifth largest in NATO. Aside from their 175,000 active soldiers in the army, navy and air force, they also have 100,000 members of the Carabinieri. The Carabinieri serves as the military and territorial police force and are also reserves.
3. Germany
Power Index: 0.3505
The German army of today is the combination of the former power of West Germany with the current Army, Navy, and Air Force of the country. Though equipment and power remains firm in the country, most of their military are on overseas missions and are helping out with other countries.
2. France
Power Index: 0.3065
Unlike most countries, the armed force of France are headed by their president and is the supreme authority in every military matter. France also works in NATO and has actively participated in efforts to help allies and other countries.
1. United Kingdom
Power Index: 0.2743
The British Armed Forces are one of the reasons the United Kingdom has risen to great military power. They are responsible for defense and actively participate in peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts in different parts of the world.
This has been the list of 11 European Countries with the Highest Military Strength. It’s good that armies are mostly being used to keep peace around the world.
