Dassault Rafale fighter jets brought France almost $18bn in 2022, while arms exports set a historic record, rising to $30bn

At the end of 2022, French arms exports were able to set a historic record. This was achieved primarily through the sale of Dassault Rafale fighter jets.

Here's What We Know

In December 2021, the United Arab Emirates ordered 80 fighter jets. During 2022, the aircraft brought France €16bn ($17.8bn), almost four times its total exports through 2021, which were only €4.4bn ($4.84bn).

After the UAE, Indonesia and Greece placed orders for six fighter jets. India has also agreed to buy 26 Dassault Rafale M deck aircraft for its Navy.

Parliament's annual report shows that total arms exports in 2022 reached €27bn ($30bn), about six times more than in 2021. 64% of sales went to countries in the Middle East. France exported 23% of its arms to Europe and 8% to Asia.

Source: RFI