France reached records in 2024

© Fasyah Halim – UNSPLASH

French arms exports reached more than 18 billion euros in 2024, making this year the second best historical performanceindicates the annual report of the Ministry of the Armed Forces detailing France's arms exports. Strategic sales such as those of the Rafale and the Barracuda submarines have largely contributed to this success. The sale of 12 Rafale planes to Serbia end of August and confirmation by Indonesia of the purchase of 18 additional devices in January were significant operations for the manufacturer Dassault Aviation. These contracts confirm the export success of this French combat aircraft.

On the navy side, Naval Group has formalized the sale of four Barracuda submarines to the Netherlands in September. If the amount of the contract remains confidential, the Dutch authorities had estimated the overall budget of the project at 5.6 billion eurosaccording to Christophe van der Maat, then Secretary of State for Defense. Despite these performances, the figures remain below the record of 27 billion euros reached in 2022thanks in particular to a contract with the United Arab Emirates relating to 80 Rafale for a little more 16 billion euros. However, the trend remains very positive, notably thanks to the increase in global military spending, which reached 2.4 trillion dollars in 2023, according to Sipri.

Towards a new record year in 2025?

Sébastien Lecornu is optimistic for 2025, thanks to sales already announced such as that of 14 Caracal helicopters in Iraq. «The year 2025 is shaping up to be an excellent year, which is off to a promising start”he said. The French defense industry will, however, have to take up the challenge of increase in production rates to meet growing demand. The Minister of the Armed Forces recalled that the export of arms is essential to maintain the economic viability of the sector.

“Exporting our weapons is vital to developing our defense industrial and technological base. This is just as important for our trade balance and for creating jobs throughout France. But it is also a condition of our sovereignty”insisted Sébastien Lecornu.