I don’t see a requirement in Scripture for the European confederation that will form the Antichrist’s kingdom to achieve super military status. According to Daniel’s vision of the five empires, the kingdom of the Antichrist will be of the weakest quality.
“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And [as] the toes of the feet [were] part of iron, and part of clay, [so] the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.” (Dan. 2:41-42).
It also says in the Book of Daniel that peace will be the Antichrist’s greatest weapon.
“And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand” (Dan. 8:25).
The revived Roman Empire will have one advantage over all the other kingdoms: It will be in control of weapons of mass destruction. King Nebuchadnezzar was history’s most powerful ruler in that his word was law. His orders were carried out by men with swords and spears. The Antichrist may at first have to deal with a legislature, but once he makes a decision, he will have the power to destroy nations.