France maintains its position as the fourth largest arms exporter

The Ministry of Defence yesterday presented to Parliament the report on arms exports to France. In 2011, the export orders amounted to 6.5 billion euros in France now the leading exporting countries in a market increasingly competitive. This figure represents an increase of 27% compared to 5.12 billion orders in 2010. Over the period 2006-2011, France has maintained its fourth place. The two main contracts that derive results last year were the renovation of Indian Mirage 2000 and the two PCBs for Russia. Note that the Asia Pacific region has made a remarkable rise in the share of French exports last year with 42% of orders (India, Malaysia ...). Over the past five years, the Middle East (Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates mainly) remains the leading French customer with 26% of controls.

Note that the 350 SMEs in the defense sector represent between 3% and 5% of total direct exports. The report notes that a new information system for the administrative management of export licenses (SIGALE) will be implemented in July 2013, in particular to facilitate access to these markets for SMEs (electronic procedures, deposits line ...).

"Results honorable" said Jean-Yves Le Drian, which is not the case in 2012, called the "worst year" by the Minister, due to reports of contracts for technical or political reasons. 2013 announcement against under good omens, and negotiations are underway on major contracts.

The defense industry represents 165,000 jobs in France and generates an annual turnover of 16 billion euros. The next report will be published in six months.