Jean-Marie Dumon
Deputy Director The French Maritime Industry Association ( GICAN )
" European cooperation issues in the naval and maritime domain "
GICAN , the French Maritime Industry association , and its 263 company members are convinced that European cooperation in the naval domain is mandatory for insuring sovereignty at mid-term for Members States of the European Union .
The naval world market is changing fast . Even if Europe keeps its second or third rank for shipbuilding between 2015 and 2021 in numbers , tonnage and value , ASIA is the first and weight more than the double of the other continents ( Europe and North America ). Asia is also enlarging shipbuilding to all types and size of navy ships .
In two years and during COVID period , ASIA comes from 25 % to 44 % of the world defense ships proportion built by region .
In term of exportation , 4 countries concentrate half of the world export market : Germany ( 20 %), China ( 11 %), Australia ( 9 %) and France ( 8 %), in value .
In this context , European cooperation is mandatory :
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Facing Asian defense industry rising so fast ;
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Taking in account that US domestic market is self suffisant
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And observing the emergence or consolidation of naval defense industry in some other countries ( Turkey , India , Russia …). Cooperation is inducted by strategic links , for example between France , Cyprus , Greece , because of the same involvement promoting stability and respect of international law in the East Mediterranean aera .
For some years , European Union is changing its mindset , coming from the Lisbon Treaty opportunities , like the PESCO ( PErmanent Structured COoperation ) approach , the European Defense Fund , the creation of DG DEFIS and all the new and efficient tools associated to European Defense Agency activity ( Coordinated reviews , capability development plan …). In the same time , the European pillar of NATO , with UK , inducts so many asking .
For fighting against fragmentation , cooperation between European shipyards is mandatory and a reality , step by step . The right way is R & D first , after common development and if Member-States decide : joint procurement .
We observe some examples like :
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Consortium SEA DEFENSE for EDIDP call 2019 with all the 7 major shipyards in Europe ;
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European Patrol Corvette ( EPC ) project with more than 3 shipyards , at the moment ,
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Bilateral purchasing or common design for frigates , Corvettes or replenishment ships ( Germany , Netherlands , France , Italy , Greece , Spain …).
To conclude , naval industry is a “ long cycle ” industry . Consolidation can ’ t be decided politically without an economic and technologic approach , and of course a strategic agreement or treaty between Member-States . There is no standardized model in naval domain , no “ Naval AIRBUS ” or “ equivalent one MBDA ”. Cooperation will increase because and only with common projects .