Arms race big shots

France has become the world’s third largest arms exporter behind the US and Russia due in large part to sales of the Rafale fighter jet.

Connexion journalist

Published Wednesday 27 September 2017 - 15:00 Modified Wednesday 27 September 2017 - 15:00

The US outsells almost all other nations put together at $26.9billion, then Russia on $7.2bn, France $5.2bn, Germany $4.36bn and UK $4bn. Saudi Arabia is the No1 importer, with $7.6bn.

Sales of 84 Rafales to Egypt, Qatar and India boosted French figures and in a weakening market it may overtake Russia in 2018.

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