French arms exports set a record in 2022
French arms exports set a record in 2022 thanks to the sale of Rafale fighter jets.
This is according to the annual report to parliament, a copy of which was obtained by AFP.
According to the report, the contract signed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) helped to reach a record high of €27 billion.
"The landmark contract for 80 Rafale aircraft for the UAE is the main contribution to this historic figure," the French Ministry of Defense said.
The contract with the UAE for the supply of fighter jets, signed in December 2021, is worth just over €16 billion, which is more than all French arms exports in 2021 by €4.4 billion.
As noted in the report, Indonesia and Greece have also ordered six Rafale aircraft, and in July 2022, India agreed in principle to purchase 26 more Rafale aircraft.
In 2022, France also exported three frigates to Greece, along with equipment and related weapons. In addition, Poland signed a contract to purchase two French surveillance satellites in December of the same year.
Author - Olena Madiak, 26/07/2023
