At the beginning of the 2000s, and for almost 15 years, the French defense industry was unable to sign the slightest significant contract independently in Europe, and had to concentrate its efforts in the Middle East and Asia, to maintain a export volume compatible with the very low activity of the national order at that time. But in recent years, it seems that European countries, some at least, are once again trusting this industry to supply major equipment, helped, it is true, by the overall increase in defense budgets. A look back at these latest contracts signed by the French defense industry in Europe, as well as the most promising current competitions.
Belgium, the privileged partner
What have we not heard, and even read, about the Belgian decision to acquire the American F35, and not the Rafale French. However, in barely a year, Brussels has awarded French defense industries two of the most important European contracts of the last 30 years. In November 2018, the Belgian authorities announced the signature of the CaMo contract, for Motorized Capacities, relating to the acquisition of 382 VBMR Griffon multi-role armored vehicles, and 60 French Jaguar EBRC Armored Reconnaissance and Combat vehicles, designed jointly by Nexter, Arquus and Thales, for an amount of 1,6 billion euros. Not only is Belgium acquiring the latest French armored vehicles, but it is doing so with the aim of optimizing the interoperability of its forces with French forces, in an approach of extensive industrial and operational cooperation.
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