French arms industry on global offensive, Paris takes leading role in European security
France is increasingly consolidating its position as the leading defense industrial power in Europe and the world’s second largest exporter of military equipment. Supported by the successes of the Rafale fighter jet, Naval Group submarines and frigates, and the Caesar artillery system, the French defense industry is experiencing continuous growth and gaining ground in international markets.
At a time when the war in Ukraine has changed the European security architecture and increased demand for modern weaponry, France is benefiting from a technological and industrial defense base that is considered among the most developed and autonomous in the world. One of the main advantages of French industry is its strategic independence, which allows Paris to export advanced systems without the restrictions often associated with American technologies.
FRANCE INCREASES ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL ARMS MARKET
According to the report, since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, France has overtaken Russia to become the world’s second-largest arms exporter, just behind the United States. In 2024 alone, the French defense industry secured new orders worth 18 billion euros, while French exports accounted for 11 percent of the global arms market during the period 2019–2023.
The French aerospace and defense industry achieved a turnover of 77.7 billion euros in 2024, with 82 percent of activity related to exports, placing France significantly ahead of Germany in this sector.
The growing demand for European armaments is particularly favoring Paris, as many EU countries are seeking to reduce dependence on suppliers outside Europe and strengthen their military capabilities in an increasingly uncertain security environment.
NEW SUCCESS IN EUROPE AND BEYOND
One of the most recent successes of the French industry is the contract won by Naval Group with the Swedish Ministry of Defense. On May 19, 2026, Sweden selected the French company to supply four FDI-class frigates, in a contract worth approximately four billion euros. This decision came just a few months after Greece ordered a fourth frigate of the same type.
The Caesar artillery system also continues to record great export success. In 2025, KNDS signed contracts to supply Croatia with 18 Caesar systems and Lithuania with another 30. These orders are in addition to previous supplies to Estonia, Portugal, Ukraine and Belgium.
Experts estimate that Caesar’s popularity has grown not only due to its technical performance, but also thanks to its proven results on the battlefield, especially during the war in Ukraine.
RAFALE – THE SYMBOL OF FRENCH SUCCESS
At the center of French success lies the Rafale fighter jet, which is already considered one of the most successful products of the French military industry.
So far, over 640 Rafale aircraft have been ordered worldwide. India alone, through 2026, has signed contracts to purchase 114 aircraft in a deal worth around $33 billion.
Croatia, Serbia and Greece have also become important European customers. Meanwhile, at the end of 2025, France and Ukraine signed a letter of intent that opens the possibility of supplying the Ukrainian air force with about 100 Rafale aircraft in the future.
This development demonstrates not only the commercial success of the French aircraft, but also the growing influence of Paris on the continent’s security architecture.
STRATEGIC AUTONOMY AND NUCLEAR POWER
One of the characteristics that sets France apart from most European countries is the fact that it possesses a complete defense industrial base. From armored vehicles to nuclear-powered submarines, France produces almost the entire spectrum of military systems.
In the nuclear field, France remains the only European Union member state to possess nuclear weapons and the only fully autonomous nuclear power in Europe.
Another advantage is the minimization of dependence on components that fall under US ITAR regulations. This gives French arms customers more freedom of use and export without facing potential political restrictions from Washington.
GIANT INVESTMENTS IN FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES
Paris is also investing heavily in future technologies. The 2024–2030 Military Programming Law foresees investments of 413 billion euros for defense, while by 2030 military spending is expected to reach 68.9 billion euros per year.
Within this strategy, 10 billion euros have been dedicated to artificial intelligence, drones, robotics and quantum technologies. France is aiming to maintain technological superiority at a time when modern warfare is rapidly transforming.
EUROSATORY 2026, SHOWCASE OF FRENCH POWER
The Eurosatory 2026 international fair, which opened on June 15 in Paris, became the largest demonstration of French and European defense capabilities.
More than 2,000 exhibitors from around the world took part in the event, which French authorities described as the most ambitious edition ever organized. Leading French companies such as Airbus, Thales, Safran, MBDA and KNDS were represented at the fair.
A special element was the participation of over 80 Ukrainian companies, making Ukraine the fifth largest delegation at the fair. This shows the growing rapprochement between the defense industries of France and Ukraine and the importance that war experience is taking on in the development of new military systems.
FRANCE DESERVES A LEADING ROLE IN EUROPEAN DEFENSE
The report concludes that France is positioning itself as the main European leader in the defense sector, at a time when the continent is facing major security challenges. The combination of strategic autonomy, industrial strength, investment in technology and export success is transforming Paris into the main actor in the development of European military capabilities.
In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and global geopolitical tensions, France seems ready to take an even greater role in shaping the future of European defense and strengthening the security capabilities of the European Union.