EBN-According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Arms Transfers Database, France was the world’s second-largest arms exporter between 2020 and 2024, surpassing Russia for the first time. France exported weapons to 65 countries, accounting for 9.6% of global exports, with the United States coming in second with 43%. France’s major arms exports to European countries nearly tripled (by more than 187%) from 2015 to 2019, primarily as a result of the delivery of combat aircraft to Greece and Croatia, as well as arms supplies to Ukraine after the full-scale Russian war in 2022.
Despite growing French exports to Europe, India was the largest importer of French arms, accounting for 28% of total exports, nearly double the share of all European countries combined (15%). This reflects the growing defense partnership between Paris and New Delhi, particularly in the field of combat aircraft, with India purchasing advanced Rafale fighter jets as part of multiple deals to enhance its air capabilities in the face of regional threats from China and Pakistan.
In addition to warplanes, India has also acquired advanced French defense systems, including anti-aircraft missiles and warships, as part of its plans to bolster its naval and air defense capabilities amid escalating tensions in the Indian Ocean and South Asia.
The report indicated that Qatar ranked second as the largest importer of arms from France, accounting for 9.7% of total French exports.
Qatari purchases included advanced fighter jets and air defense systems, reflecting the continued strong defense ties between the two countries. These deals aim to enhance the capabilities of the Qatari Air Force, in light of the growing regional security challenges in the Middle East.
According to the report, French exports were not limited to India, Qatar, and Europe, but extended to other countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where France has become a major player in the global arms market. French defense companies, such as Dassault Aviation, Thales, and MBDA, compete with their American and Russian counterparts to secure billions of dollars in contracts, leveraging advanced technology and strong diplomatic relations with many countries.
