Let us begin with the numbers. The 27 EU countries plus the UK together have around 4,500 main battle tanks, with at least half of them deployable, 3,200 military aircraft, more than 13,000 artillery pieces and over 420 warships. Russia has up to 2,000 operational tanks with about twice as many old ones in storage, about 4,000 military aircraft, 14,000 artillery pieces and around 400 warships.
On paper it sounds like a draw. In reality, Europe’s tactical equipment is newer and, above all, qualitatively and technologically superior on the ground, in the air and at sea. In that sense, we more than carry our weight as a military force to be reckoned with.
Poland plus Greece (proud owner of one-third of Europe’s tanks and one-fourth of its fighter aircraft) outnumber Russia in modern armour. European artillery is not only comparable in quantity, but better in technology, accuracy and range. In the air Russia’s handicap becomes even more dramatic. As for who rules the waves, the Royal Navy and the French nuclear carrier alone could seal the Baltic and the Black Sea if they choose to.
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