10 Europe's Strongest Military Forces in 2024, Nations Best Defense

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Developed countries are spending a great fortune of the nation’s GDP to afford the best defense in the military. Many of the European countries have exceptionally strong militaries, with the United Kingdom leading the list.

10 Strongest Military Forces in Europe

This article unveils the 10 strongest military forces in Europe according to the data published by Global Fire Power for 2024:

1. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has the strongest military in Europe, which comprised 2.2% of the nation’s $3.1 trillion GDP in 2021. The UK is ranked 6 of 145 countries across the globe that are considered in the Global Fire Power review for 2024.

The nation projects strenuous military power with its 664 aircraft, of which 18% are classified as fighters in the air force field. The country’s navy operates 117 assets, comprising 11 frigates, 10 submarines, and 26 patrol vessels.

In addition to this massive armor, the United Kingdom’s army operates 126 towed artillery, 71 self-propelled artillery, as well as 213 tanks.

2. Italy

Italy has signified its name as the second strongest military in Europe, with over 50% active military personnel in 2024. The country is constantly supported by a total of 800 aircraft in the air force field, with 11.3% of them considered fighters.

Within the naval area, Italy operates 8 submarines, 18 patrol vessels, and 13 frigates. This power is complemented by 200 tanks, 64 self-propelled artillery, and 108 towed artillery.

3. France

According to the data published by the Global Fire Power, France has a total number of 376,000 military personnel contributing to the nation’s power. These personnel are operating a total of 992 aircraft that consists of 224 fighters.

The nation’s land forces actively create the best defense with 222 tanks, 96 self-propelled artillery, and 85,023 vehicles.

4. Ukraine

In the wake of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ukraine has transformed into one of the strongest militaries among European neighbors. The country has a staggering 900,000 active personnel that operate the air force, naval, as well as the land army. 

Ukraine has a total of 321 aircraft that consists of 72 fighters and 130 helicopters. The naval area is covered by 104 total assets, of which 33 are considered patrol vessels. Additionally, the nation is powered by 1,777 tanks, 22,110 vehicles, and 1,205 self-propelled artillery.

5. Germany

As the richest country in Europe, generating $4.69 trillion in GDP, Germany has one of the most advanced militaries in the world, with 181,600 active military personnel. The nation’s army operates 134 self-propelled artillery as well as 295 tanks.

The Germans’s air force included 618 aircraft in their inventory, which consists of 133 fighter jets. Its navy reportedly operates 5 corvettes, 12 frigates, and 6 submarines.

6. Spain

Spain is ranked sixth in the Global Firepower Index Ranking, which operates 513 aircraft, 139 fighter jets, 11 frigates, and 327 tanks. A total of 133,282 active military personnel are shielding all areas of Spain.

7. Poland

Poland is among the European countries whose military power projects beyond the edge, with 468 aircraft in total. Around 12.6% of the aircraft are classified as fighter jets.

The nation’s remarkable military power is also demonstrated through 612 tanks, 13,956 vehicles, 525 self-propelled artillery, 1 submarine, 2 corvettes, 2 frigates, and 2 patrol vessels.

8. Sweden

Sweden has 24,400 active military personnel shielding all borders of the nation. The air force department is operating 212 aircraft, with 71 of them being fighter jets. Guarding the land area, the army has 120 tanks, 7,598 vehicles, as well as 26 self-propelled artillery. Additionally, the naval force has 5 submarines, 298 patrol vessels, and 7 corvettes.

9. Greece

Despite being widely known for its tourism, Greece is ranked on the list of the 10 strongest military in Europe, supporting 11 submarines, 13 frigates, and 35 patrol vessels. Greece’s economy has also shown a surge in recent years, allowing the nation to operate a staggering 1,365 tanks and 57,030 vehicles altogether.

10. Portugal

Portugal closes the list of the 10 strongest militaries in Europe with 20 patrol vessels, 113 naval assets, 2 submarines, 117 aircraft, as well as 34 unit tanks.

These 10 strongest military forces in Europe are bound to change in a timely manner as more countries are expanding their power through military inventories.

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