French automotive and defense firms to partner for Ukraine drone production

The French government has requested that Renault produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Ukraine.

Under the proposed plans, the French automaker will collaborate with a small drone specialist to mass-produce UAVs. This marks the first time French companies will establish operations to manufacture weapons on Ukrainian soil.

According to the Financial Times, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu told LCI television last Friday evening that the country’s automotive and defense companies would work together to set up production lines in a “completely unprecedented partnership” to supply Ukrainian forces with drones.

Renault confirmed that the French Ministry of the Armed Forces had contacted them. “Discussions have taken place, but no decision has been made at this stage as we are awaiting further details from the ministry regarding this project,” the company stated.

This move would signify the first time the automaker has produced defense equipment since the Second World War. Renault’s R35 tanks were famously unsuccessful against German Panzers during the Battle of France.

The initiative comes as drones have become a central element of Ukraine’s military strategy. UAVs played a key role in last week’s attack on Russian military airbases thousands of kilometers from Kyiv, demonstrating how drone technology is transforming military tactics.

The Ukrainian front line is dominated by UAVs, and the new French production lines will support the manufacturing of this critical equipment.

Lecornu stated that the potential withdrawal of US support for Ukraine has created a “moment of awakening,” necessitating that European countries provide more “robust” security guarantees to the nation.

Kyiv has been actively encouraging Western companies to invest in its defense industry and form joint ventures with local arms manufacturers. German arms producer Rheinmetall is currently building an ammunition factory in Ukraine, with production scheduled to begin next year, as announced by CEO Armin Papperger at the Munich Security Conference in February. The company already operates a facility in Ukraine for repairing foreign-made military equipment.

Kyiv has announced that it has attracted over 40 foreign defense companies to the country. In February, Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin revealed that the French aerospace and defense electronics group Thales had signed an agreement to establish a joint venture with the Ukrainian state-owned defense company Ukroboronprom.

Smetanin noted that the joint venture will focus on producing technological solutions in air defense, radar, electronic warfare, and tactical communications.

Last week, Lecornu described the decision for French companies to produce drones in Ukraine as a “win-win situation.” He argued it would also benefit the French military by providing “permanent tactical and operational training linked to the realities of this front line.”

Lecornu added that the production lines in Ukraine would employ local workers, eliminating the need for companies to send French personnel.

It remains unclear what type of UAVs Renault would produce if the plans are finalized.

This French initiative arrives at a time when the fortunes of Europe’s automotive and defense industries are diverging. While arms manufacturers are seeing a surge in orders as the continent increases its defense spending, the automotive sector is grappling with the transition from traditional engines to electric vehicles and intense competition from China.

In Germany, defense company Hensoldt has offered to hire laid-off workers from struggling auto parts suppliers, while Rheinmetall has expressed interest in acquiring idle car factories from Volkswagen.