Europe’s Front Line Is Preparing for War
Foreign Policy
by Keir GilesFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Europe’s front-line states are significantly enhancing their military capabilities to prepare for potential Russian aggression. Countries like Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are investing heavily in advanced weapons systems and territorial defense forces, recognizing the critical need for deterrence against Russia. These nations, often on NATO's eastern flank, are taking proactive measures to ensure readiness, with Finland integrating long-range missiles early and Estonia developing deep-strike capabilities despite budget constraints.
The readiness gap between front-line states and Western Europe is growing, as the latter has been slower to respond. Finland stands out for its unwavering focus on defense, maintaining a society and armed forces singularly dedicated to deterring Russia. Similarly, Estonia, though smaller in size, has built substantial defensive capabilities, including 43,000 active soldiers and a large reserve force, far exceeding NATO's rapid deployment capacities.
Poland leads in military spending, dedicating over 4.5% of its GDP to defense, with a strong emphasis on offensive capabilities for deterrence. The Baltic states, while reliant on NATO, also maintain robust forces, ready to respond swiftly in a crisis.
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/23/2026