To Be or Not to Be: The Integration and the Non-Integration of the French Defence Industry

摘要

The dynamics of the French defense industry and its developments since 1995 are analyzed based on the variables, integration, power, autonomy and cooperation. France is in Europe the nation that rhetorically most clearly underlines its national interests for defense autonomy but also the most active in cooperation. Corporate integration (national and European) has been orchestrated by the state. Considerable European cooperation has led to gradually increased equity integration over joint ventures to autonomous, trans-national companies. Transatlantic cooperation and integration is avoided by the French government. France is pursuing strong national autonomy in some areas as well as a shared, European autonomy in other areas. The government powers have decreased but are still considerable. The report also contains detailed appendices over company strategy, company structure and tables covering defense industry integration and cooperation.