FRANCE said last Wednesday (26) that its arms exports hit a record last year, helped by Rafale aircraft (above) sales.
French weapons exports totalled €27 billion ($30bn/ £23.2bn) in 2022, up from €11.7bn the previous year, the ministry said in its annual report to parliament, seen by AFP.
France is the world’s third biggest arms exporting nation, after the United States and Russia.
India has signed a memorandum of understanding for 26 Rafale for navy use, after 36 were delivered for its air force.
A contract with the United Arab Emirates for 80 Rafale combat aircraft alone contributed more than €16bn to the French total.
Indonesia placed a firm order for six Rafale, as did Greece, further cementing the global success of the fighter made by Dassault Aviation.
Greece last year also ordered three French defence and intervention frigates, and signed maintenance and associated weaponry contracts.
Poland in December had agreed to buy two French observation satellites.
The French weapons exports record comes as global spending on military is higher than at any point in the past three decades
