Asger Risom
Ukrainian forces have received MV-25 OSKAR drones from France, capable of hitting targets up to 25 kilometers away. Renault is reportedly considering domestic UAV production in Ukraine.
As the war in Ukraine enters a new phase of technological adaptation, European defense manufacturers are increasingly looking eastward.
France, already a key supplier of military aid, may soon deepen its engagement—not only by delivering advanced equipment, but by bringing production directly onto Ukrainian soil.
Such a move would mark a significant shift in both industrial policy and wartime strategy, signaling a broader rethinking of Europe’s defense posture.
This means Ukraine’s military capabilities have received a notable boost with the delivery of MV-25 OSKAR drones, developed by French defense firms KNDS France, DELAIR, and EOS Technologie.
As reported by Digi24, the drones are designed to strike infantry and lightly armored vehicles with precision.
New Combat-Ready Drones from France
The MV-25 OSKAR features a 550-gram fragmentation warhead and can engage targets at distances up to 25 kilometers.
It stays airborne for 45 minutes and is equipped with radar-evading technology and an anti-jamming data link.
Importantly, it requires no runway for deployment and can operate without satellite signals—an advantage in contested environments.
Ukrainian forces have already tested the drone in combat as of June 2024 and provided positive feedback.
The entire development cycle took just two years, underscoring France’s rapid prototyping capacity in defense tech.
Renault May Build UAVs Inside Ukraine
Meanwhile, French automaker Renault is in talks with France’s Ministry of Defense about possibly producing drones in Ukraine.
While no decision has been finalized, reports suggest Renault may partner with a smaller defense contractor to launch manufacturing well behind the front lines.
The move would mark a significant shift for Renault, expanding its footprint into military hardware and reinforcing European support for Ukraine.
Sources say the UAVs could be used by both the Ukrainian and French armed forces.
If realized, such a partnership would represent not only an industrial collaboration but also a strategic message of solidarity, placing advanced manufacturing closer to the battlefield while strengthening Ukraine’s long-term defense infrastructure.