As European countries bolster their militaries, a new era of military modernization is unfolding across the continent.
The European Union‘s member states are increasing their defense spending, aiming to bolster their militaries. Germany plans to transform its Bundeswehr into the ‘strongest conventional army in Europe,’ with a focus on modernization efforts and expanding its ranks.
The German Armed Forces, also known as the Bundeswehr, have a long history dating back to World War I.
After World War II, Germany was demilitarized and the Bundeswehr was established in 1955.
The military is divided into four branches: Heer (Army), Marine (Navy), Luftwaffe (Air Force), and Streitkräftebundeswehr (Joint Forces).
As of 2022, Germany's military has approximately 183,000 active personnel and a defense budget of €45.4 billion.
The country is a member of NATO and contributes to various international peacekeeping missions.
Germany currently has 182,000 soldiers on active duty, but plans to increase this number to at least 203,000 by 2031. The Defense Ministry aims to replace outdated tanks, aircraft, and ships, develop digitalization capabilities, and expand command and control systems.
Germany's Germany's military expansion has been a topic of debate since the end of 'World War II.'
The country's military spending as a percentage of GDP is around 1.38%, which is slightly above the NATO average.
Germany has increased its defense budget in recent years, with plans to reach 2% of GDP by 2030.
Germany has also participated in several international military interventions, including the Kosovo War and the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
Additionally, Germany has strengthened its ties with other European countries through organizations like the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy.
Other EU countries are also investing in their militaries. France, the only nuclear power in the EU, has pursued a strategy of global presence and military autonomy. With around 203,000 soldiers serving in the ‘French army,’ ‘gendarmerie,’ and other paramilitary units, ‘France’ aims to maintain its position as one of Europe’s strongest armies.
The French military has a long history dating back to the Napoleonic Wars.
Today, it is one of the largest and most technologically advanced militaries in Europe.
The country's defense budget is approximately €40 billion annually, accounting for around 2% of its GDP.
France operates a nuclear deterrent with four ballistic missile submarines, and its air force features state-of-the-art fighter jets like the Rafale.
The French military also has a significant presence in international peacekeeping missions, particularly in Africa.
Poland, which has invested heavily in its military for years, plans to expand its ranks to 500,000 troops by 2025. The country has allocated 4.12% of its GDP to its defense budget and is working on modernizing its equipment, including more than 600 ‘battle tanks’ and HIMARS rocket artillery systems.
The UK’s focus is on high-tech military capabilities, with an emphasis on drones, artificial intelligence, and laser systems. The ‘Royal Navy’ and the ‘Royal Air Force‘ are already considered to be very modern, but the country aims to purchase dozens more F-35 fighter jets from the US.
Italy has a powerful air force but needs to reform its land forces. ‘Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’ wants her country to have the strongest armored force in Europe, with an order for 1,000 combat and multi-purpose tanks from Rheinmetall.
Despite these investments, little is likely to change in the global ranking of military strength in the medium term. The ‘United States’ remains the clear leader, followed by Russia, China, India, and South Korea. Germany currently ranks 11th, while France and Poland follow in ninth and sixth place respectively.
