Key defence companies gather in France to discuss increasing arms production
On Friday, 14 March, French President Emmanuel Macron invited representatives of the country's key defence companies, including Safran, Thalès, Naval Group, Dassault and KNDS, to the Elysee Palace.
Here's What We Know
The meeting was also attended by representatives of about four thousand small and medium-sized defence companies.
Macron wants to find out whether manufacturers are able to increase arms production and in what timeframe. At the same time, companies are looking for guarantees from the government regarding financing and long-term contracts.
The day before, French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci said that the government was counting on manufacturers to boost defence production. France has a powerful military industry that produces nuclear submarines, combat aircraft, armoured vehicles, artillery and missiles.
A nuclear submarine of the Le Triomphant type. Illustration: Marine nationale
In February alone, the French army ordered 530 Serval Appui SCORPION armoured vehicles to be produced by KNDS, TEXELIS, MBDA and CS GROUP. The total value of the order exceeds one billion euros, and deliveries will begin in late 2025 and last until 2031.
Earlier it became known that the French Ministry of Defence has also allocated €600 million to strengthen the country's air defence system. These funds will be used for the purchase and modernisation of anti-aircraft systems, as well as the development of new systems in the period from 2024 to 2030.
Source: Le Figaro
