News-Middle East: The French Army revealed that country's arms exports declined by 41% last year, under influence of global health crisis and absence of major contracts, while Saudi Arabia came at forefront of importers.

The ministry said in a report that "the value of orders in 2020 amounted to 4.9 billion euros, compared to 8.3 billion euros in the previous year."

The ministry explained that these results, which are lower than previous years, are partly explained by restrictions associated with global health crisis, which has postponed many arms projects to 2021, due to the suspension of commercial discussions and related investment decisions.

The value of orders received fell by more than half in 2020 to 4.3 billion euros, compared to 9.9 billion in 2019. For second year in row, Europe represents the main destination for French exports with 25% - 15% for European Union and 10% for other European countries - Britain and Greece are top 6 customers for France.

After that, comes Near and Middle East region (24% of orders) compared to 22% for Asia-Oceania region, slightly larger share than that recorded during the past three years, while Africa represents 16% of all orders. Exports of military equipment are essential for France to finance its army and maintain its strategic independence.