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| Rafale jet |
France’s defense export orders reached €18 billion ($19 billion) in 2024, marking the second-highest annual performance in the country’s history, according to Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The growth was driven by the global demand for Rafale fighter jets and advanced submarines, solidifying France’s position as a leader in defense manufacturing.
Defense Exports Fuel Strategic Autonomy
Lecornu emphasized the importance of defense exports in ensuring France’s strategic autonomy. “Exporting our weapons is vital for developing our defense industrial and technological base,” he said during his New Year’s address in Paris. He also stressed the role of exports in job creation and maintaining France’s sovereignty.
France’s defense exports more than doubled from €8.2 billion in 2023, driven by orders for Dassault Aviation’s Rafale jets and Naval Group submarines, which accounted for nearly €10 billion of the total. The surge follows a record €27 billion in defense exports in 2022.
Future Goals: AI, Quantum Technologies, and Anti-Drone Systems
Looking ahead, Lecornu set ambitious goals for 2025, including expanding exports of surface vessels, artillery, helicopters, and advanced air-defense systems like the French-Italian SAMP/T. He also outlined a strategy to integrate artificial intelligence across defense operations, focusing on anti-drone warfare, operational intelligenexportce, and fire control systems.
Quantum technologies will also take center stage, with France deploying quantum inertial units in submarines and Rafale jets and introducing quantum atomic clocks in satellites. Additionally, the first commercial flight of the Ariane 6 launcher will carry the CSO-3 military surveillance satellite into orbit.
Challenges in Funding and Competitiveness
Despite these advancements, Lecornu highlighted challenges, including a divided parliament delaying the 2025 defense budget. He called for an annual defense budget increase of at least €3 billion to maintain military effectiveness amid rising global security threats.
Lecornu also addressed the competitiveness of French defense manufacturers, urging them to reduce lead times and innovate independently. He warned that slow delivery times have caused French firms to lose contracts to international rivals.
Emphasis on Anti-Drone Warfare
A significant focus for 2025 will be bolstering France’s anti-drone capabilities. Lecornu stressed the need for every military unit to be equipped with drones and corresponding anti-drone systems, leveraging off-the-shelf solutions to meet urgent operational needs.
France is committed to enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities to counter drones effectively. “Where drones are present, they must be mirrored by electronic warfare capabilities,” Lecornu stated, underlining the urgency of these advancements.
