10 countries with strongest military in Europe

France has been ranked as the country with the strongest military in Europe in the 2026 Global Firepower (GFP) Military Strength Rankings. The annual Global Firepower Index assesses the military capabilities of countries using its Power Index (PwrIndx), which considers more than 60 factors, including manpower, air power, land and naval assets, logistics, financial resources, geography, and natural resources. A lower PwrIndx score indicates a stronger military.

According to the 2026 rankings, France overtook the United Kingdom to claim the top spot in Europe, while Italy, Germany, and Spain completed the top five. Ukraine, despite the ongoing war with Russia, ranked sixth, followed by Poland, Sweden, Greece, and the Netherlands. Below are the 10 strongest militaries in Europe in 2026, according to the Global Firepower report.

Netherlands Power Index (PwrIndx): 0.6142 2026 ranking movement: Up The Netherlands rounds out the top 10, reflecting continued investments in defence modernisation and NATO commitments. Greece Power Index (PwrIndx): 0.5484 2026 ranking movement: Stable Greece maintains its position among Europe’s strongest militaries, supported by its strategic location and modern armed forces. Sweden Power Index (PwrIndx): 0.4834 2026 ranking movement: Up Sweden climbed in the rankings as it continues to strengthen its military capabilities and expand defence cooperation within Europe.

Poland Power Index (PwrIndx): 0.3891 2026 ranking movement: Stable Poland remains one of Europe’s fastest-growing military powers, driven by sustained defence spending and force expansion. Ukraine Power Index (PwrIndx): 0.3691 2026 ranking movement: Stable Ukraine retained sixth place as it continues to bolster its armed forces amid ongoing security challenges. Spain Power Index (PwrIndx): 0.3247 2026 ranking movement: Down Spain slipped in the latest rankings but remains one of Europe’s leading military powers.

Germany Power Index (PwrIndx): 0.2463 2026 ranking movement: Up Germany moved up the rankings following continued investment in military modernisation and defence capabilities. Italy Power Index (PwrIndx): 0.2211 2026 ranking movement: Stable Italy held on to third place, backed by a balanced military force with significant air, land, and naval capabilities. United Kingdom Power Index (PwrIndx): 0.1881 2026 ranking movement: Down The …