France’s aerospace industry expressed growing concern over the “weaponisation” of global supply chains as geopolitical tensions rise, particularly around rare earth elements. Olivier Andries, president of the GIFAS aerospace association and CEO of engine maker Safran, highlighted that China supplies around 90% of the industry’s rare earth needs.
Rare earths, or the magnets they are sometimes made into, are used in small but critical quantities across modern aerospace technologies, including jet engines, navigation systems, and other advanced defence applications. Andries warned that this dependency makes European aerospace vulnerable to political leverage, as countries like China could exploit supply constraints to influence geopolitical outcomes.
The concerns come amid ongoing global trade friction. Although the U.S. and China recently reached a trade truce, Andries noted that rare earths remain a potential pressure point in international relations. He said, “There is a trend towards the weaponisation of the supply chain, towards using the dependency on critical supplies to create a geopolitical advantage. That is particularly the case for rare earths which is a very sensitive topic.”
Why It Matters
The risk is not only economic but strategic. Aerospace production, particularly for military and dual-use technology, relies on uninterrupted access to these critical materials. Any disruption could delay projects, drive up costs, and undermine Europe’s ability to maintain technological independence.
Europe is also under pressure to strengthen its defence capabilities in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader U.S. influence over NATO policy. Andries emphasized that while French defence plans remain on track, the lack of a confirmed 2026 budget complicates long-term planning. He criticized parliamentarians, saying they had “lost direction,” and stressed that clear political and financial support is essential for the aerospace sector to remain competitive.
- French Aerospace Companies: Safran, Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and other manufacturers depend heavily on rare earth imports for jet engines and advanced systems.
- French Government: Responsible for approving defence budgets, supporting strategic projects, and negotiating international aerospace cooperation.
- European Allies: Germany and Spain, involved in joint fighter projects, must manage collaboration despite commercial disputes between Airbus and Dassault.
- China: Dominates rare earth production, giving it potential leverage over European industries.
- U.S.: While currently in a trade truce with China, American policy influences the geopolitics of rare earth supply and defence collaboration.
What’s Next
The French government is making a renewed push to pass the 2026 budget, which will be critical for funding aerospace and defence projects. Meanwhile, French manufacturers face the dual challenge of managing geopolitical supply chain risks while collaborating on multilateral projects like the Franco-German-Spanish fighter.
Experts say Europe will need to diversify rare earth sources, strengthen domestic production, and foster industrial partnerships to reduce vulnerability. Andries stressed the importance of political alignment and cooperation among manufacturers, saying, “There is a very strong political will at the highest level in France and Germany to go ahead. But for things to advance, you also need to have agreements and the manufacturers accepting to work together.”
Personal Analysis
The warnings from France’s aerospace industry highlight a broader shift in global strategic thinking. As rare earths become a geopolitical tool, Europe risks being caught between dependence on China and pressure from U.S. allies to align with their strategic priorities. Strengthening domestic supply chains, investing in recycling of critical materials, and accelerating joint European defence projects are essential steps to mitigate risks. Without these measures, European aerospace could face delays and cost overruns, with implications for both commercial competitiveness and defence readiness.
With information from Reuters.
