Which European Army is the Most Powerful?

We compare the various Europe militaries, and do our best to figure out who has the most powerful military in Europe at the moment, and how that might change in the future.

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[viggokalman]

I would've liked to hear from Finland in this video. How amazing is it that Germany is buying 35 F-35s when we're buying 64, and also building many of them in our own factories. I would say that Finland has one of the most lethal armies compared to its size.

[chrisrobert]

France is present in all the oceans, has the world's second largest maritime economic zone (EEZ) and the world's largest underwater zone. A good part of the defense budget is therefore allocated to their surveillance and protection.

[VITORB]

I could imagine Charles Leclerc driving a Leclerc tank

[jacquesdahlet]

A strong advantage of the French armies is that they rely less on American weapons. Don’t get me wrong, American weapons are great, but you need permission from the US to use them for any other reason than self defense. France has more freedom to use their ships, subs, fighter jets, helos, tanks, military satellites, etc… as they want whenever/wherever they want.

The weak point is that French armies suffered budget cuts for years (like many countries), and as a result they specialized toward fighting terrorism inside and outside their boarders. They are heavily under-equipped in terms of weapons, amos, and soldiers for high intensity wars.

[ronreagan]

France has historically focused on home-made defense equipment at all levels of its military. French believe that an independent military industry will allow France more flexibility and less reliance on other powers. For example, the UK relies heavily on US equipment and spare parts (i.e., F35, Apache chopper, nuke technology, other aircraft like the C-130). Although France also has some foreign military equipment, it tries very hard to limit that reliance. So France developed its own auto- loader tank (LeClerc), it’s own main aircraft (Rafale), it’s own nuke powered aircraft carrier and its own short range and intercontinental nuke missiles (sub launched although they are developing land based mobile launch pads too). Independence from the US is a strength in the long term.

[lndstnder]

French policy makes sense. It increases military capabilities of the west without simply pumping up American power, while dovetailing with America’s military strengths.

[cobra]

When it comes to Poland they are not only buying weapons but building new factories that will produce them. Poland has signed joint venture agreement with Korean companies. This will include military as well as building nuclear power plants near Warsaw. Interesting enough Poland will likely join KAI KF-21 Boramae development program( 5th generation jet fighter ) 🇵🇱 🇰🇷

[PabloTBrave]

Not just numbers, technology and equipment, its strategy, tactics, logistics, skill and training.

[NotContinuum]

"Project Scorpion" sounds like a Bond villain's plan to take over the world.

[Flight_of_Icarus]

Wait, you're telling me military in Europe is a competition between Britain and France, but now Germany is going to come as a potential dark horse and challenge them both? I swear I've heard this somewhere before...

No wonder Poland is going so hard to try and outcompete them all..

[JefElder]

Combat experience : 1. France, UK ; 2. Italy, Spain, Portugal
Combat readiness : 1. France, . UK ; 2. Poland, Italy, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark
Assault troops (paratroopers, marines, mountain troops, others) : 1. France ; 2. UK ; 3. Poland, Italy, Spain ; 4. Finland, Czech Republic, Belgium, Denmark
Special forces : 1. UK, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, Poland, Portugal, Croatia, Netherlands, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Greece, Belgium, Czech Republic ; 2. Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia
High intensity capabilities : <3 months : France, UK, Poland ; <2 months : Italy, Spain, Finland, Sweden
Air supremacy capabilities : <6 months : France, UK ; <3 months : Italy, Spain, Sweden, Germany
Overseas projection capacities : 1. France (45, 000) ; 2. UK (30, 000)
Nuclear deterrence : 1. France (independent) ; 2. UK

[idraote]

France has an extensive landmass it needs to protect plus large territorial waters... and the overseas territories... It essentially needs two armies, one for continental France and one for overseas, especially considering its ambitions to become a world power that is relevant in the Pacific as well.
Germany and Poland, on the other hand, don't have any overseas territories and they can focus more effectively with less money.
The UK, as an island, is better served by a very strong navy plus airforce that is also uselful for its overseas territories.

[peterturnham]

I'm English but have worked in the French Aerospace/Defense industry for many years. The french spend far more on defense than they declare. They have been bailing out loss making companies BIGtime in order to maintain their factories and autonomy. Their Kit is first rate, damn fine engineers. Since they ended conscription and became professional their soldiers are so much better. My French brother in law was conscripted, he couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag.

[napoleonibonaparte]

Poland rebuilding its winged hussars with its purchase of 1000 Korean K2 tanks.

[greyhammar]

Ugh, I've been spoiled by Perun. Not bad, just not in depth enough for me these days.

[MayorMcC]

the fact a european army would have so many poles in the ground forces just seems right to me.

[lucadesanctis]

A series of videos depicting every single nation plan would be awesome

[Uteelo]

The global firepower index has Russia as #2, I don’t think them rankings mean much at all.. I’m surprised you didn’t mention it

[KavishTanna]

Would like to see tldr cover security and defence in more detail, more often 👍🏽

[ce]

France and the UK are honestly so similar in so many metrics its creepy lmao