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Abstract Even if the MBDA’s commercial objective is essential, the defence industry is first and foremost a security actor, which must satisfy the French, British, Italian and German defence needs. Thus, this states control the European arms industry’ activity, especially by reducing exportations. They have also encouraged the European arms groups to join together around cooperation programs. Consequently the states hold responsibility for financial circumstances of these industries, which have to adapt to threats change and to budgetary restrictions. But now, in order to face American competition, the industries need a European strong political support and the emergence of a great European unified market.