French army modernisation predicted to stoke market growth
The French land defence market is undergoing a major shift as the French Army becomes more integrated and interoperable with its allies, according to a new report.
The Frost and Sullivan paper, released on 24 March, estimates France’s land forces market to be worth €13.10 billion ($18.6 billion) between 2009 and 2019, with €1.5 billion ($2.1 billion) estimated in 2019 alone.
Military spending is one of the keystones of the government’s economic recovery strategy and the market is expected to remain flat until 2015, following which modernisation programmes are ‘poised to stoke market growth’, according to the ‘Revenue Opportunities and Stakeholder Mapping in the French Land Defence Market’ report.
‘The trend of military downsizing has been noticeable across all the domains of the French defence force,’ said Mahendran Arjunraja, Frost and Sullivan research analyst.
‘As a conscious measure to avoid the drawbacks of downsizing, the armed forces are being equipped with advanced equipment.’
While a decreased defence budget is impacting the defence market, France’s participation in conflicts and operations has forced it to opt for advanced and highly-efficient military equipment, the report claimed.
Foreign competitors are expected to challenge the domestic defence companies, but the French defence industry ‘remains secluded’, which makes it difficult for foreign companies to penetrate the market.
However, upcoming land defence programmes in France are of significant value, and the competition to win such projects is expected to be ‘intense’. By partnering with French companies, foreign competitors can ease their way into the French market, according to Arjunraja.
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December]()
US Army to receive Oshkosh’s next-gen autonomy-ready trucks by December
The company recently announced a new US$95 million order for the Palletized Load System A2 under the FHTV V agreement.
-
![How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%]()
How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%
The new small arms training approach includes the use of data and simulation capabilities, as well as more realistic environments.
-
![Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles]()
Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles
The PrSM missiles, known as Increment 1 weapon systems, will eventually replace the US Army’s Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
-
![US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years]()
US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years
The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office plans to deploy armoured and infantry platoon configurations around FY2027.
-
![Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs]()
Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs
Penske Australia will also carry out local assembly and testing of Allison X1100 series cross-drive transmission under licence using kits supplied by South Korea's SNT Dynamics.
-
![Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions]()
Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions
Swedish company showcases Arctic UGV test as it eyes NATO defence market expansion.
