Naval power has long been a pivotal force in shaping what is the balance of power in modern Europe. From the Spanish Armada to Britain's Imperial Fleet, Europe has a storied history of commerce, conquest, and colonization by means of the navy. Now, nations flex their naval muscles with their modern fleets of aircraft carriers, submarines and frigates. However, within NATO, a few nations stand out with naval forces that are not just formidable but massive in scale.
As Europe is one of the largest economic zones on Earth, it takes equally large navies to defend this commerce and offer security to its citizenry. The strategic importance of these naval forces is more than just defense. These are important for the safe passage of goods, like oil, through some of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
One of the strongest navies in Europe is the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. As an island nation, the UK has always prioritized its naval power. Currently, the UK's force includes Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which are some of the most advanced in the world. These are supported by a host of destroyers, frigates and submarines.
France is another naval power that ranks fairly high in the hierarchy of European navies. This country is one of the few in the world with a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier like the Charles de Gaulle. For the rest of its fleet, France has a diverse array of frigates, submarines, and destroyers.
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