Reference News Network, January 22 report, according to AFP, January 20 report, French Minister of Defense Catherine Colonna announced on January 20 that France's defense exports are expected to "reach about 20 billion euros" in 2025, close to the previous year's 21.6 billion euros.
Colonna said in her New Year's address: "In 2025, we should be able to achieve export orders of about 20 billion euros, similar to 2024, with one-third coming from the European continent."
If this amount is confirmed, it will be the third best annual performance for the French defense industry, following 2022 and 2024. Meanwhile, global military spending continues to grow, especially in Europe.
The French defense minister did not specify which orders contributed to this result. In 2025, India signed a contract to purchase 26 "Rafale" fighter jets for its navy, Greece purchased the fourth dry preventive defense frigate (FDI frigate), Romania purchased the "Viking" air defense missile system, and Croatia purchased the "Caesar" self-propelled howitzer.
"Without exports, there is no credible strategic autonomy. That is why the issue of exports is not an edge issue, but a core element of our defense system," Colonna said. (Translated by Zhao Ke Xin)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7598108279092314660/
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