French Arms Exports Exceed 20 Billion Euros for Two Consecutive Years

Reference News Network reported on August 23 According to the French newspaper "Le Monde" website on August 20, French arms exports have exceeded 20 billion euros for the second consecutive year.

The report states that, according to the parliamentary report for 2026 released on August 12 by the French Ministry of Defense, following a total order amount of 21.6 billion euros in 2024, this figure reached 21.2 billion euros in 2025. This is the third highest level in history, with the highest record still being 26.9 billion euros in 2022, when the UAE ordered 80 "Rafale" fighter jets. In 2023, exports had significantly dropped to 8.2 billion euros.

The maintenance of this export reflects the large-scale rearmament wave that has swept the globe since the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, global defense spending is expected to grow by about 2.5% in 2025, reaching 2.42 trillion euros. The combined spending of the United States and the other 31 NATO member countries accounts for about half of this total. The European Defence Agency estimates that EU member states' defense spending is 381 billion euros, an increase of over 62% compared to 2020.

In 2025, France signed several large orders. India procured 26 "Rafale" fighter jets and related munitions for its navy; Indonesia ordered two improved "Scorpène" submarines; Greece ordered its fourth defense and intervention frigate; Morocco ordered "Tigre" helicopters; Luxembourg ordered a military communication satellite; Belgium and Luxembourg ordered "Scorpion" armored vehicles; Slovenia and Croatia ordered "Caesar" self-propelled howitzers; in addition, Romania, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, and Cyprus ordered "Mistral" missiles manufactured by the European missile group.

The report points out: "The missile sector saw the largest increase, growing by 15% from 2024 to 2025." The reason is the re-export to Ukraine and the demand from various countries to replenish their stockpiles. In 2025, missiles accounted for 18% of the total order amount, which is lower than naval equipment (19%) but higher than land combat equipment (12%).

The primary engine of exports remains the Dassault Aviation "Rafale" fighter jet, which drives the entire aviation sector: this sector accounts for about 40% of the total order amount in 2025. The report drafted by the Ministry of Defense explains, "The continued success of 'Rafale' fighter jet exports ensures that France has a long-term stable production line." (Translated by Zhao Kexin)