Most Militarily Powerful European Countries

The Top Ten
1 United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly shortened to United Kingdom, UK or Britain is a Sovereign State located of the Northwestern coast of Europe. It is a Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy currently lead by Monarch Queen Elizabeth II and its current prime minister is Boris Johnson. The UK is a Unitary State consisting of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland... read more

The United Kingdom is still Technically the worlds strongest country in the world. It is the biggest investor in each of the top five economically performing countries in the world (even bigger than China), thus making it the second richest country in the world behind the US, is home to the world's financial trading center (London) of which it trades trillions in sterling world wide every day on the London Stock Exchange, and has the best regarded political relations world wide. The UK is also home to BAE Systems; The most advanced global company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of defense, security, and aerospace (Air, Sea, and Land) world wide.

Most influential nation in the World. We gave the word electricity (James Watt), the Telephone (Graham Alexander Bell), Football, Cricket, Rugby, Television and of course the Internet. Those are just a few but I could go on and on...I have also served 3 years in the British Army, been on various joint exercises with US, Canadian, Dutch, French, Belgium and German army. It's fair to say, they got nothing on us, specially the Germans. The yanks & Canadians are the closest thing but no where near our standards.

2 France France, officially the French Republic, is a sovereign state comprising territory in western Europe and several overseas regions and territories. The European part of France, called metropolitan France, extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. France spans 675,000 km2 (251,000 mi2) and has a total population of 67 million... read more

Since I live in France for the last 10 year ( originally I am from Italy) I simply love France, it is my favourite country. I am in love with it. It's military power is good, it's economy is good, it's life style is great, in short every thing of France in best! But I really want that France maybe on the top of world in culture, entertainment, economy, life style, military, and of ourse beauty, etc and one day it will... LONG LIVE France.

In terms of figures (troops, number of aircraft and warships), France has without of doubt the most powerful forces in Europe. Besides, the French fighting forces took part in many conflicts after 1989 ; their troops are very well trained and French war forces happen To be well-diversified. Last point : France is the sole European country holding a fully independent nuclear task force.

France has the strongest military in Europe, although close to Britain France is still on top. Naval wise they are pretty much equal, but France owns the air and the land. Economically France is more powerful then the United Kingdom. Germany is a close third economically. France/UK are stronger militarily in almost every aspect. Nuclear weapons wise France has the most and the most advanced.

3 Germany Germany was formally united in 1871 under the initiative of Bismarck with King Wilhelm of Prussia as emperor. The previous 'Holy Roman Empire', basically a continuation of the empire of Charlemagne/Karl der Grosse was dissolved in 1806.

Some territory was lost after World War 1 and a lot more after World War 2, basically started by Hitler's Nazi dictatorship. Then the Soviets kept their zone... read more

Germany is quite easily the most powerful country in Europe. This is because they have technology far ahead of its time and in World War 2 it took United States, France, Britain and Soviet Union to defeat just Germany and it also took 4 years to do so. But that war could of easily gone on for MUCH longer if Hitler had listened to his commanders and hadn't of tried an idiotic tactic.

I have just been reading these comments for Germany where people are saying it has the strongest military in Europe! They still have limits on their army because of ww2 and do not have a large army. The major power Germany has is its economy not its armed forces. However I do agree that Germany is the second most powerful nation in Europe with plenty of assets to make it powerful.

No matter what happens to the Fatherland, Germans ALWAYS have been resilient, and patriotic. Plus Germany runs the European Union, they have the strongest military in Europe and one of the strongest in the entire world. Germany is the perfect example of how no matter what your past is you can become a beacon of light for all the world.

4 Russia Russia, or the Russian Federation (RF), is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world by area, covering over 17,125,191 square kilometres (6,612,073 sq mi), and encompassing one-eighth of Earth's inhabitable landmass. Russia extends across eleven time zones and borders sixteen sovereign nations, the most of any country in the world... read more

Russia should definitely be on the #1 for the most militarily powerful in Europe. Their army alone matches almost all of Europe's combined. Even in the Cold War, they had the potential to invade all of the European continent. Russia is economically powerful too. Despite the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the capital city of Moscow continues to grow and expand; and don't forget about the fact that Russia owns the most skyscrapers in Europe, and it continues to build more. Most of these skyscrapers were built only 7 years ago to now, showing the growing economy of Russia. In addition, Russia also has the largest population. Overall, even though Russia is home to a long lost superpower, it has risen from the ashes of communism to again become a world power. Their sphere of influence will not only reach Europe, but the world; however not militarily or governmentally, but economically and peacefully

5 Italy Italy (Italian: Repubblica Italiana) is a sovereign state and unitary parliamentary republic in south-central Europe.

Italy covers an area of 301,338 km². With almost 62 million inhabitants, it is the third most populous EU member state. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy shares open land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino, and Vatican City. The... read more

According to the Credit Suisse world's top military superpower report (2015), Italian military power is placed 8th in the world and 2nd in Europe, only preceded by France.
The Italian military placed highly on Credit Suisse's report is due to the country's possession of two active aircraft carriers. These carriers, in addition to the country's large submarine and attack helicopter fleets, drastically boost Italy's ranking.
Italy is followed by Uk (9th in the world and 3rd in Europe) and Germany (respectively 18th and 5th, behind Poland).

Italy could be said to be the mother of all the other European nations for technological, scientific and artistic developments. It was the home of the greatest empire that earth has ever seen; it really can't be compared to any other. And although in the past 60 years or so has had mainly "politicians problems" the Italians, with their ingenuity and imagination can astonish (positively) the world again.

6 Sweden Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. It borders Norway to the west and Finland to the east, and is connected to Denmark in the southwest by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund. At 450,295 square kilometers (173,860 sq mi), Sweden is the third-largest country in the European Union by area, with a total population of 10 million.

"The Swedish Empire had territorial control of much of the Baltic region during the 17th and early 18th centuries, a time when Sweden was one of the greatest European powers."

Today, with one of the strongest economies, advanced military units (Bofors-weaponry, SAAB JAS 39 Gripen and so forth), strong ties to the United States both culturally and diplomatic-wise, 5-th largest country in Europe, Sweden might stand in the shadows of Germany, France and the UK but is still a nation to be counted with when it comes to power.

This allways surprises me! Why do you think Sweden is strong? They do have ok navy, but everything else...
Hardly any artillery, some 20k troops, no conscripts, about 60 operational fighters and those are gripens, not top dogs like typhoon or f35 etc.

Sweden and Poland should swap places. Sweden would completely destroy Poland, as it has done many times throughout history.

7 Spain Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in southwestern Europe with parts of territory in the Atlantic Ocean and across the Mediterranean Sea. The largest part of Spain is situated on the Iberian Peninsula; its territory also includes the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, and several minor overseas... read more

Spain's legacy in the world can't be compared to that of any European Country. It deserves a higher position than Sweden, Poland, Russia and Italy. More than 500 million people speak Spanish and the Spanish Empire was bigger than the French and the German. definitely, the world we live in wouldn't be the same if Spain never existed

Spain is extremely porwefull eventhough the recent economical problemas the country has been going through... Culturaly is one of the biggest powers that europe has ever gave birth and is still in the top ten of richest countries. Besides, it is so super beautiful and women and men there are really hot.

The influence of Spanish already surpasses that of English native speakers, when the emerging nations in South America become stronger economically English language will fall as it should be.

8 Greece Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the southern tip of the Balkans, and is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece shares land borders with Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the northeast. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of the mainland, the Ionian Sea to the west, and... read more

Greece might be a small country, but just think about it... First will take a look at ancient times when the Greek army held off the Prussions from invading! Let's go ahead to World War Two when the Greeks kicked the Italians butt and Hitler was embarrassed at Mussolini and had to help invade! Hitler took a lot of troops into Greece and he even had trouble taking it over. Hitler eventually took Greece but even he said that The Greeks fought hard. In present day Greece is surrounded by countries that hate her like Turkey, Albania, and Romainia. Vote for Greece!

Greece will soon have the biggest submarine fleet in the eu 11- 12... and has also got the second biggest airforce in the eu with excellent pilots... And has 1250 tanks and 90 more on their way from America number 1 in eu and no 2 in Europe after Russia when Germany has approximately 500 France 300 and England 400... The biggest number of self propelled artillery in Europe... State of the art weapons from all the main manufacturers... Sub strategic cruise Scalp missiles... Leo 2... Kornret... S300 and...

9 Poland Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe, bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine and Belarus to the east; and the Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian exclave) and Lithuania to the north. With a population of approximately 38.5 million people, Poland is the sixth most populous member state of the European Union... read more

Abala battle 250+ taliban dead none of Polish soldiers.. You may have your budgets or equipment etc etc, but in combat hand to hand Polish soldier is the best in the world. We have proven this many many times. Each country who tried to conquer us on their own always was getting ass whooping ( including Russia and Germany) we were conquered only when there was alliance between outside countries against us. enough said.

GROM is one of the most dangerous special units in the world. It trains with NAVY seals and SAS. Not to mention it has been kept secret for most of its life, thus their capabilities are not fully known.

The Polish military has the same strength as the winged hussars (Siege of Vienna, 1683) had in medieval and post-medieval Europe. And the government is now increasing the military spending.

10 Turkey Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country in Eurasia, mainly in Anatolia in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the south. The... read more

12th laugh out loud should be in the top five easy. Ottoman empire the longest lasting empire in history. Attacted the Russians in ww1 defeated the British at the height of its empire scared off the Greeks in 1974. Has the second largest army in NATO. Commands the Eastern Mediterranean and black sea. Made Israel apologize. What more could I say what nation in Europe or the world can say that?

Fact: Turks always had the numbers, at least 10 to 1 and yet 95% they miserably failed to win. In modern or guerilla warfare tanks are obsolete, dead weight. Well trained snipers and launchers can win wars, basically at no cost.

Turkey has one of the best armies in the world. But hey we're Muslims. So feel free to hate. Because that's all Europe is good for.

The Contenders
11 Ireland Formed in 1916 after the Easter uprising, Ireland is a small country with a population of roughly 5 million.

Even though Ireland had a huge financial crisis which lead to a bailout of €65.5 billion from the European Union. Ireland has payed back it's debt fully and is now looked as the "poster boy of Europe", a nation that other European countries can look up to. It is also increasing it's defense budget each year.

Ireland is officially a Neutral nation, but before their independence they beat the British Empire! Even though Ireland is a small country it is a modern western nation, with one of the best trained armies, navy and airforce in Europe. As a peaceful country, which means it is very safe, 416 troops are currently deployed around the world on behalf of the United Nations, with 210 and 116 Irish soldiers on the front line of peace keeping in Lebanon and Syria.

Ireland is the most friendliest country in the world with great relations with all world powers especially USA & UK! A very important player in the European Union, United Nations, European Organisation of Military Associations and OSCE!

12 Austria Austria was Celtic (Hallstadt) then as Noricum, part of the Roman Empire, Alaric, who took over Rome, studied at a monastery near Vienna. In the Middle Ages, the Holy Roman Emperors moved to Vienna, then Austria became separate. Medieval documents from Eastern Europe as far as West Ukraine were often in German, and referred to Vienna, showing its influence well before the Austrian Empire. After the... read more

Austria has an extremely powerful military for its size. They are actively involved in Kosovo, Lebanon, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

13 Ukraine Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country, covering approximately 600,000 square kilometres (230,000 sq mi), and has a population of around 40 million people. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast; by Belarus to the north; by Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; and by Romania and Moldova to the southwest; with a coastline along the Black... read more

Ukraine is actually quite powerful. Only reason it lost everything is because it fought Russia all its battles. Also it saved our countries from collapsing due to lack of natural gas. Russia though can easily shut out fuel down

Ukraine actually had a very good army. It is being modernized, some troops are US trained, and they are flattening the Russian separatists. Plus, there are a few volunteer armies, too.

With all these recent events, Ukraine's army is upgrading weaponry and tactics, which will lead to significant modernization in near future.

14 Portugal Portugal (est.1152), officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost country of mainland Europe, bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain. Its territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, both autonomous regions with their own regional... read more

Altough they do no have the most modern equipment, they are one of the best trained.

The Portuguese always faced armies much bigger, but almost always got around the numbers and won. With a little help of the british sometimes...

Totally one of the bests.

15 Netherlands The Netherlands, informally Holland, is a country located in north-western Europe with overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is the largest of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands consists of twelve provinces, and borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, with a North Sea coast-line to the north and west. It shares maritime borders with the United... read more

The Netherlands are the gate to Europe. The ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam are the biggest in Europe. Trade is in their blood. Most of the population speak 2 or 3 languages. Their have a very modern navy with a powerful amphibious, sub and surface fleet althouhg they are relatively small. They are strong supporters of a strong and unite Europe.

With elite frigates, which are as powerful as destroyers, high tech submarines, a strong amphibious assault force and one of the the best rader systems in the world, the dutch navy can take on most opponents.

It is what could be described as a secret power, they managed to come back from the Nazi's destroying them. The Netherlands haven't been in the spotlight yet but they could be soon.

16 Denmark Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the most populous and politically central constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark, a constitutionally unitary state that includes the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland in the North Atlantic Ocean. European Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, lying southwest of Sweden, south of Norway, and north of Germany... read more

Best country, stands up for what they believe and they are proud to be Danish. If someone tells them what to do they don't do it, in WW2 when Germany invaded they were told to stand down, no matter what they didn't, they wanted to keep their lives and they wanted it to be Denmark

Forget Norway, Denmark might be small but they are comparable to many powerful nations. They can hammer Portugal to pieces.

Denmark has a huge chunk of ice... That should count for something... Right?

17 Finland Finland, officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bothnia to the west and the Gulf of Finland across Estonia to the south. Finland covers an area of 338,455 square kilometres (130,678 sq mi) with a population of 5.5 million. Helsinki is the capital and... read more

Stopping 40x bigger nation in war doesn't tell everything of finns. They were beside UK the only country which was not occupated by enemies. The areal losts they met in peace didn't happen in frontier, because they finally kicked Russians in the ass.

Today Finland has one of the biggest armys in Europe, almost 500.000 men in war and biggest artillery in west.
Spirit of defense is traditionally on highest level in world.

Finland was never a great power, nor a great military power. It has been part of Sweden and Russia for hundreds of years. But one thing is for certain, finns have allways defended their lands, even when defeat was almost inevitable. Truth be told, Finland has better trained troops than Sweden. And also we are better at ice hockey.

Huge reserve, large amount of artilley guns that can hit anywhere in the country with precision. Finland is unable to wage an offensive war, but the guerilla style tactics that they've implemented is very effective to defend its own country with.

18 Norway Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a sovereign and unitary monarchy in Northern Europe whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula plus the island Jan Mayen and the archipelago of Svalbard. Oslo is the capital of Norway. Norwegian is the official language of Norway.

Norway has advanced and modernized technology. Its military is not only experienced but they are developed as well, making Norway a really powerful country.

Should be ranked higher, as orway can produce it's own Equipment if needed. It should swap Place With Sweden, Sweden isn't strong today because of it's history.

A country with a strong developed economy, Norway's military is obviously one of the most modernized and experienced in the world.

19 Iceland Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean and the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Iceland's capital and largest city is Reykjavík, which (along with its surrounding areas) is home to over 65% of the population. Iceland is the only part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that rises above sea level, and its central volcanic plateau is erupting almost constantly. The interior... read more

They have no army at all. Not even kidding

You can't beat what doesn't exist.

20 England England, previously the Kingdom of England, is a constituent country of the United Kingdom along with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

England can trace its history as far back as the 10th century, but modern England didn't start till the Norman Invasion of 1066. In 1535, England annexed Wales and in 1603 shared a Monarch with Scotland, which eventually led to the Unification of the two... read more
21 Romania Romania is a sovereign state located in Southeastern Europe It borders the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and Moldova. It has an area of 238,391 square kilometres and a temperate-continental climate. With over 19 million inhabitants, the country is the seventh-most-populous member state of the European Union. Its capital and largest city, Bucharest, is the sixth-largest city in the... read more

For years Romania has rivaled Russia for control of Moldova. Romania has 11,050,000 available manpower with 9,060,000 men fit for service. This means if war ever breaks out and Romania decides to use conscription they will have a massive army. However, they already do. Romania has over 900 tanks and currently has an army of over 155,000 men. Romania's military capabilities are considered 12th best in Europe by professionals. GFP Power Index rating of 0.7744 (0.0000 being perfect).

Romania better than Greece he owes debt why he better seriously and Romania strongest Baltics twice the army of Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia.
Plus we guys are smart.

The laser - ww2 - melted the russian tanks - do you really think every country tells what new weapons they built?

22 Serbia Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country in Southeastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkans. It shares land borders with Hungary to the north, Romania to the northeast, Bulgaria to the southeast, North Macedonia to the south, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the west, and Montenegro to the southwest, and claiming a border... read more

Serbia lost all wars they've ever battled. It got bombed by the U.S.A. military forces just like every other worthless third world country does. Serbia also lost all wars against its neighbors. Serbia lost twice against Croatia.

Serbia has ever had a great army for her size, but sadly had made some strategical bad choices during the last 25 years.

Throughout history Serbia has lost almost every war.

23 Slovenia Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia, is a country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, Croatia to the southeast, and the Adriatic Sea to the southwest. Slovenia is mostly mountainous and forested, covers 20,271 square kilometres (7,827 sq mi), and has a population of 2.1 million (2,108,708 people). Slovenes constitute over... read more
24 Czech Republic The Czech Republic, also called Czechia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Historically known as Bohemia, it is bordered by Austria to the south, Germany to the west, Poland to the northeast, and Slovakia to the southeast. The Czech Republic has a hilly landscape that covers an area of 78,871 square kilometers (30,452 sq mi) with a mostly temperate continental and oceanic climate. The capital... read more

Is developing lots of technology and has some sick training and elite soldiers, only five Czech men have died in Aghan+Iraq wars combined, the country spends most of GDP on military, Germany and Britain give the Czech almost unbreakable Tanks and now they are gaining strong missiles from them as well, Air Force is astonishing and the Czech Military has a rapid growing number of men.

Czech is not supposed to be top 10 but is really evolving its army which is really good

25 Belgium Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. The country is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to the southwest, and the North Sea to the northwest. It covers an area of 30,689 km2 (11,849 sq mi) and has a population of more than 11.5 million, making it the 22nd most densely populated country in the... read more

Since when does size matter? I mean seriously, look at the U.K. They are the 5th most powerful nation in the world! But this whole vote is rigged. Since when is Poland above Turkey. Then again, the only reason I am voting for Belgium is because I am Belgian. It just so happens that there are more morons in Poland then there are in Turkey. Au revoir!

Um... Essentially the capital of Europe. The headquarters for the European council and NATO. While it might not possess the largest military on the continent it certainly holds enough influence over its neighbors that it might as well.

Don't underestimate the capital of Europe. It is maybe a small country, but it once was one of the biggest armies in Europe and it still has a modern army protecting 11 million people.

8Load More
PSearch List