Renault in Talks to Launch Drone Production in Ukraine Amid European Defense Push
French automotive giant Renault is in advanced discussions with the French Ministry of Armed Forces to begin producing military drones in Ukraine, signaling a pivotal shift in Europe’s defense-industrial policy and support for Kyiv.
The Gaze reports on this with reference Bloomberg, citing both French media reports and official statements.
Renault is expected to partner with a French defense ministry to establish drone manufacturing facilities located safely behind the frontlines, possibly dozens or even hundreds of kilometers from combat zones.
These drones would be supplied not only to the Ukrainian Armed Forces but also to France’s military, which is currently working to close its technological gap in unmanned aerial systems.
A Renault spokesperson confirmed to France Info that the company had been approached by the French government and that preliminary talks have taken place.
“No final decision has been made at this stage,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company is awaiting further details.
On Friday evening, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu publicly announced that “a major French carmaker” would soon begin drone production in Ukraine in partnership with a domestic defense firm. While he stopped short of naming Renault, French public radio later confirmed the automaker’s involvement.
Crucially, Minister Lecornu emphasized that no French personnel would be needed on the ground in Ukraine, citing the advanced expertise of Ukrainian engineers and developers in drone warfare. “Ukrainians are more advanced than us when it comes to drone design and doctrinal development,” Lecornu said.
For Renault, which exited the Russian market after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, this potential venture could symbolize both an industrial realignment and a reaffirmation of the company’s and France’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense capacity.
As The Gaze reported earlier, on June 4, France has also committed an additional €200 million to advance Ukraine’s post-war recovery and accelerate its integration with the European Union.