A combination of uncertainty surrounding the French election and an economic downturn among oil-reliant customers reduced French arms exports from 14 billion EUR in 2016 to 4.9 billion EUR in 2017. The Middle East accounted for over 60% of the 2017 sales, with the Asia-Pacific region taking 17% and the rest going to Europe and the “American continent.” Helicopters and missiles accounted for more than half of the total export value. The majority of the contracts were lower dollar amounts under 200 million EUR, as these represent the most stable market segment.
Source: Why have French arms exports dropped 50 percent from 2016 to 2017?