25 Strongest Countries in Europe, Ranked By Military Power

Conservative News DailyJanuary 24, 2023

This article will examine the 25 most powerful European countries by military power. You can skip the detailed analysis of European military dynamics and just go directly to 10 Strongest Countries in Europe by Military Power.

Following the Ukraine war, Europe is increasing its arms procurement and military readiness. The build-up of arms is not only meant to make Europe militarily ready but also aid Ukraine in resisting Russia.

This is why Germany is so important as its military industry plays an essential role in European defense. The West agreed on January 20 to increase their military support for Ukraine. Germany has so far stopped the delivery of Leopard-2 tanks made in Germany to Ukraine.

Boris Postrius, newly appointed German defense minister, said that the decision was motivated by a need to protect the environment. “risk assessment” Such a move is possible. However, this did not stop other European countries such as Poland, Finland, and the Baltic from moving forward with plans to send their Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine.

German resistance to Leopard-2 deliveries was not a problem. The country will deliver Ukrainian-made Marder infantry vehicles and anti-aircraft systems from Cheetah to Ukraine under an agreement with the US that was signed in December 2022.

Europe’s Military Preparation: Numbers

According to the European Defense Agency European Military Spending stood at $231 billion In 2021, it will be 6% more than the previous year. It was the seventh consecutive year of growth in military expenditures on the continent.

2014 was a record year for spending. 1.3% of EU’s GDP. However, the Russian takeover of Crimea in the same year, followed by the Trump administration’s insistence on an increase in military contributions by other NATO members, led to a consistent increase in spending observed in the following years, aggregating at a 32% in real terms in 2021.

In June 2022, the German lower chamber parliament approved a defense funding of over $100 billion This fund was created in response to the invasion of Ukraine in February last year. The fund is aimed at topping-up Germany’s regular defense budget over the course of next few years to help rebuild its military.

The fund should enable it to meet NATO’s 2% defense-spending target, which would make Germany the third biggest military spender behind the US and China. The increase in European military spending is expected to continue, and possibly accelerate in this regard. EDA’s current projections show an increase in the number of troops. $76 billion In defense expenditures by 2025

What will the Defense Sector Benefit from?

The increasing spending is boosting European arms manufacturers’ balance sheets. Companies like Dassault Aviation, Hensoldt AG and Rheinmetall AG have greatly benefited.

Trading increased by 89% to 49% after the announcement of the German defense funds, as we have already discussed. gains Hensoldt AG (German radar and sensor manufacturer) and Rheinmetall AG (armor-vehicle maker Rheinmetall AG were the respective winners in February. Dassault Aviation SE, the French aircraft manufacturer, saw 11% growth.

Rheinmetall AG is reported to have increased its tank production from 40,000 units per annum to 240,000 units per annum as of 2022.

In the same year, contracts for the Eurodrone project, which is expected to reduce Europe’s reliance on Israeli drones, were signed by Germany, France, Spain and Italy. OCCAR awarded these contracts to Airbus SE (PARIS.AIR.PA). Airbus SE (PARIS.AIR.PA) has chosen Avivo Aero is owned by General Electric Company (NYSE) in the USA.GE), for the design and production of the drone’s engine.

Other than General Electric Company (NYSE GE), there are other US defense companies like Lockheed Martin Corporation. (NYSE: GE)LMTEuropean defense capabilities can also be enhanced by the use of ) Its stealth aircraft – F-35 Lightning-II, is included in several European countries’ air force inventories.

Germany announced additional procurement to help it aggressively overhaul its military. 35 Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE.LMT), which purchased eight F35s for $14 billion, will deliver the first eight to the country in 2026. As the west continues its rearmament and supports the Ukrainian military, the defense sector is expected be a strong performer over the next few years.

Let’s now move on to the 25 strongest countries in Europe by military power.

25 Strongest Countries in Europe, Ranked By Military Power — 25 Countries with the strongest military power in Europe

Pixabay/Public domain

Our Methodology

We’ve defined militarily strong European countries as ones that have advanced strategic military assets, geographical advantages, and logistical and financial capability. This last metric is crucial as it is directly determinant of military ability.

To do this, we first identified the top 25 European country in the Global Firepower Index of 2023 We ranked them and then used their GDPs to rank them individually. We then averaged the rankings to create our list. For countries with the same averaged-out ranking, we’ve used their ranking in Global Firepower Index as a tiebreaker.

At discretion, we’ve discussed the size of some of the countries’ military assets, especially naval and air fleets since they are the primary components of military power.

For militarily important countries, we’ve also discussed their cyberwarfare capabilities, number of military bases around the world and space capabilities for military purposes. For this, we’ve sourced data The Power Atlas, European Council on Foreign Relations.

We also discussed military expenditures with certain countries and obtained the following: data From the World Bank

Here are the 25 countries that have the most military power in Europe.

25. Belarus

Ranking of Global Firepower Index: 23

GDP Ranking: 24

Average Ranking: 23.5

Belarus is close to Russia and is an ally in the war against Ukraine. It is also one of Europe’s strongest military countries. It has a global-firepower-index (GFP) score of 1.0485 and a GDP size of $68 billion as of 2021.

24. Slovakia

Ranking of the Global Firepower Index: 24

GDP Ranking: 22

Average Ranking: 23

Slovakia is one of the strongest European military powers, with a global-firepower-index score of 1.1789 in 2023.

23. Serbia

Ranking of the Global Firepower Index: 21

GDP Ranking: 25

Average Ranking: 23

Serbia is a country located in Southeastern Europe that is landlocked. Its GFP score, as of 2023 is 0.9571. Its air force, which is its most powerful military arm, has the Soviet-made Mig-29 as the main fighter.

22. Bulgaria

Global Firepower Index Ranking: 22

GDP Ranking: 23

Average Ranking: 22

Bulgaria has a global-firepower-index score of 0.9757 as of 2023. The country’s GDP stands at over $84 million as of 2022. The Soviet-made T72M1 (and T72M2) battle tanks are added to its ground forces. The air force is more modernized with fighters like the Mig-29, Su-25, and F-16 Fighting Falcon.

General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE) designed and manufactured F-16.GD), a company owned and operated by Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT). General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE.GD) produced the jet when the US Air Force needed a lightweight, yet efficient fighter in 1975.

21. Hungary

Global Firepower Index Ranking 20

GDP Ranking: 21

Average Ranking: 20.5

Hungary’s GDP stands at $182 billion, as of 2021. This allows it to invest significantly in its military infrastructure and makes it one of Europe’s strongest military powers. In 2023, its GFP index score was 0.8643.

20. Belgium

Global Firepower Index Ranking: 25

GDP Ranking: 12

Average Ranking: 18.5

Belgium is home to one of Europe’s largest economies. This makes it one of Europe’s most powerful military powers. As of 2021, its GDP was $0.6 trillion. Over the last two years, the country has seen a steady increase in military spending. It spent 1.1% of its GDP in defense in 2021.

19. Finland

Global Firepower Index Ranking – 19

GDP Ranking: 15

Average Ranking: 17

Finland is located within Northern Europe. It has a GFP Index score of 0.8099 in 2023. Affordability to purchase F/A-18s or F35s has made the country one of Europe’s most technologically advanced militaries.

18. Czech Republic

Global Firepower Index Ranking 17

GDP Ranking: 16

Average Ranking: 16.5

The Czech Republic is situated in Central Europe. It boasts one of Europe’s strongest militaries, which is largely armed by indigenous defense producers, including Česká Zbrojovka (CZ), Aero Vodochody and Tatra among others.

17. Romania

Ranking: 16

GDP Ranking: 17

Average Ranking: 16.5

Romania’s GDP is $284 billion, and it has spent 2% on defense in the same period. This makes it one of Europe’s strongest military powers.

16. Denmark

Global Firepower Index Ranking 18

GDP Ranking: 14

Average Ranking: 16

Denmark is a Scandinavian nation with the strongest military infrastructure in Europe. In 2023, it has a global-firepower-index score of 0.8011. It has 115 aircraft, including four F-35s as well as 33 F-16s.

Denmark is home to indigienous defence companies such as Danish Aerotech A/S. The country also hosts foreign defense corporations like Lockheed Martin Corporation or General Electric Company (NYSE GE). General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE.GD), has held contracts for the nation’s military in the past for Armored Personnel Carriers.

15. Portugal

Global Firepower Index Ranking: 14.

GDP Ranking: 18

Average Ranking: 16

Portugal is located in Southern Europe. In 2021, defense expenditures comprised 2.2% of Portugal’s GDP of $254 billion. F-16 fighting falcons are the country’s most popular fighter plane. 28 of them are currently in service. The navy has two tridente class submarines, five frigates, and two corvettes.

14. Greece

Global Firepower Index Ranking – 10

GDP Ranking: 19

Average Ranking: 14.5

Although Greece is currently in financial trouble due to poor economic management, it still boasts a massive GDP of $215 billion as at 2021. With nearly 1,300 tanks, it has one of Europe’s largest armor units. The Hellenic Navy boasts 63 fleet unit, including 11 submarines as well as 13 frigates.

13. Ukraine

Ranking of Global Firepower Index 6

GDP Ranking: 20

Average Ranking: 13

Ukraine has a global-firepower-index score of 0.2516 in 2023. In the ongoing war against the United States, Ukraine has been able to hold its own against the most powerful military forces on the planet.

12. Switzerland

Global Firepower Index Ranking 15

GDP Ranking: 9

Average Ranking: 12

With a fleet consisting of 174 aircraft, the air force is the strongest arm in the Swiss military. 31% of these are fighters. The F/A-18C is the most powerful fighting aircraft, with 25 of them currently in service. In 2021, it spent 0.7% on defense.

11. Norway

Ranking of the Global Firepower Index: 11

GDP Ranking: 13.

Average Ranking: 12

Norway is one the most powerful countries in Europe, according to military power. It currently has 27 F-35 stealth airplanes, with more on the way. A fleet of F-35 stealth aircrafts is planned for the country. 52 F-35s to 2025

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Disclosure: none. 25 Strongest Countries in Europe by Military Power This article was originally published by Insider Monkey.