New Delhi, March 17 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has launched a campaign to persuade European Union (EU) nations to prioritise European-made defense equipment over American alternatives.

"My intention is to go and convince European states that have become accustomed to buying American," Macron said in an interview with multiple French media outlets on Saturday, as reported by Politico.

Macron emphasised the importance of supporting local defense industries, citing specific alternatives to US weapons.

"Those who buy Patriot should be offered the new-generation Franco-Italian SAMP/T. Those who buy the F-35 should be offered the Rafale. That's the way to increase the rate of production," he explained.

His comments come as European...