Kathrine Frich
France’s Ministry of Defense had reached out about the potential project
France’s Ministry of Defense had reached out about the potential project
From Carmaker to Drone production
French carmaker Renault is considering opening drone production lines in Ukraine, according to a statement confirmed by the company and reported by Hotnews.
The initiative, still under discussion, could serve both the Ukrainian and French armed forces.
Discussions Initiated by French Ministry of Defense
Renault confirmed that France’s Ministry of Defense had reached out about the potential project. While discussions have taken place, the company stressed that no formal decision has been made yet.
Renault is currently awaiting further details from the ministry before moving forward.
A Defense Partnership Like No Other
The idea surfaced shortly after French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu spoke of a “totally unprecedented partnership” involving a major French automaker and a small- to medium-sized defense company.
The goal: to set up drone manufacturing lines in Ukraine, potentially close to the frontlines.
Proximity to the Battlefield
According to Franceinfo, plans suggest that the production facilities could be established just tens or hundreds of kilometers from active conflict zones.
The strategic location aims to accelerate deployment while harnessing Ukraine’s battlefield expertise in drone warfare.
Dual Purpose: Ukrainian and French Military Use
While the drones would primarily be produced for Ukrainian battlefield needs, Minister Lecornu stated that France’s own armed forces would also benefit.
The goal is to enhance operational training and tactical preparation by using drones developed under real combat conditions.
Ukraine’s Drone Dominance
Ukraine has become a world leader in tactical drone use.
In 2025 alone, it expects to deploy over 4.5 million drones, accounting for around 70% of all front-line enemy equipment destruction, according to Ukrainian military estimates.
France’s Catch-Up Game in Drone Tech
In contrast, France’s military currently owns only a few thousand drones, highlighting the urgency behind this proposed partnership.
The collaboration would give French forces access to battle-tested drone capabilities and combat-proven deployment models.
No French Staff Needed on the Ground
Despite the partnership, France does not plan to send workers into Ukraine.
Lecornu emphasized that Ukrainian drone engineers and strategists have the upper hand, both in design and operational doctrine, and would manage the production locally.
Ukraine’s Combat Experience as an Asset
Lecornu also praised Ukraine’s advanced knowledge not just in building drones, but in integrating them into military doctrine and battlefield tactics.
Their experience will be key to shaping drone strategies that reflect real wartime demands.
Renault’s Global Footprint Adds Weight
With more than 120,000 employees worldwide, Renault’s potential entry into defense drone manufacturing could mark a bold pivot.
If the plan moves forward, it would be one of the most significant peacetime crossovers between the automotive and defense sectors in Europe.