According to a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, France’s share of the Global Arms Trade has increased from 7.1% to 11% between 2018 and 2022, making it the world’s second-largest arms exporter after the United States. This increase in France’s arms exports has been partly aided by imports from India. At the same time, Russia’s pace of arms exports has slowed due to its ongoing war in Ukraine, leading to a decline in its share of the global arms trade.
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The decline in Russia’s arms exports can be attributed to its involvement in the war in Ukraine, which has led some countries, including India, to diversify their arms suppliers. Russia is also dedicating more of its arms resources to the frontline in Ukraine. However, Russia still holds significant arms deals in African nations and countries such as Iran and China.
One of the key factors contributing to France’s boost in arms exports is its Rafale fighter jets developed by Dassault Aviation. The Rafale has been successful in international markets, with deliveries and orders reaching nearly 500. The fighter jets are currently in service in countries like Greece, Qatar, India, and Egypt, with more orders from Croatia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. However, among NATO members, there remains a strong preference for the Lockheed Martin F-35 due to its capacity to drop US-made nuclear bombs.
