In this article, we take a look at the 5 strongest militaries in Europe. For more such militaries, go to the 20 strongest militaries in Europe.
5. Germany
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 9
GDP Ranking: 1
Average Ranking: 5
Germany is the richest country in Europe, with a GDP size of $4.26 trillion. Germany is home to one of the most advanced militaries in the world in the qualitative sense, owing to its wealth and advanced defense industry. It lags behind a few others in numbers but it has begun rearming itself in the wake of the Ukraine war.
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 ranks 11th on the National Cyber Power Index of 2022.
4. Italy
Global Firepower Index Ranking: 4
GDP Ranking: 4
Average Ranking: 4
Italy boasts one of the most formidable militaries in Europe. In terms of numbers, Italy has eight military satellites in orbit. Its navy operates 13 frigates and 8 submarines. Its air force, on the other hand, has 850 aircraft in its inventory.
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 approximately 300 nuclear weapons.
Its navy operates 11 frigates and 9 submarines. When it comes to air power, the French military operates 226 fighters, 591 drones, 438 helicopters and 114 transport aircraft. The military has 10 satellites in orbit as well, giving France military edge in space.
France is one of the few countries in the world with capability to project power away from home through its one aircraft carrier, three helicopter carriers and ten military bases across the globe. France is the top ninth country in Belfer’s National Cyber Power Index of 2022.
The country 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, its recent losses in Ukraine, against a far inferior military foe, has shattered the myth of its military prowess. Russia still wins in numbers.
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.
Russia ranks third in the National Cyber Power Index of 2022. Russia is often accused of highly sophisticated cyberattacks in Europe and the US. The cybersecurity industry in Russia is also cut-throat, with highly innovative companies like Group-IB, Elcomsoft and Kaspersky Lab, among others.
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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