In 2021, export orders from French defense companies reached their third highest historical level, i.e. 11.7 billion euros, according to the annual report of the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
France has thus retained its rank as the third largest arms exporter in the world, behind the United States and Russia.
The authors of the report note that these figures are part of an international context marked by the war in Ukraine and the ongoing fight against terrorism in several regions of the world.
A "podium" occupied by Egypt, India and Qatar
But to whom does France mainly sell its weapons?
As our chart shows, ten customers accounted for two-thirds of the €92 billion worth of military equipment exported over the past decade (2012-2021).
The countries that ordered the most weapons from French industry over this period are Egypt (12.3 billion euros), India (11.8 billion), Qatar (11.1 billion ) and Saudi Arabia (10.0 billion).
Together, these four countries have accounted for nearly half of the value of French arms shipped abroad over the past ten years.
OUR "ARMAMENT" FILE
Much of the value exported by France comes from Rafale fighter jets sold by Dassault and sales of submarines and frigates built by Naval Group.
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