5 Strongest Militaries in Europe

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1. United Kingdom

Global Firepower Index Ranking: 2

GDP Ranking: 2

Average Ranking: 2

The United Kingdom is one of the strongest military powers in Europe. Its military expenditures comprised 2.2% of its $3.1 trillion GDP in 2021. It’s the top European country when it comes to projecting power around the world due to its two aircraft carriers, and 25 military bases across the globe. In terms of military bases, the country lags behind the US only. 

Apart from two aircraft carriers, its navy operates 12 frigates, 6 destroyers and 10 submarines among strategic naval vessels. Its air force inventory consists of 663 aircraft, out of which, 119 are fighter jets. Further, its army operates 227 tanks and 215 artillery guns. The UK’s military has six satellites in orbit as of 2023. 

The UK ranks fourth on the National Cyber Power Index of 2022, attesting to the fact that the UK is a formidable country in the cyberwarfare domain. Some of the top UK defense contractors include companies like BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and Ultra Electronics. 

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