France to launch drone production in Ukraine with major carmaker
Photo: French auto brand to produce drones in Ukraine (mod.gov.ua)
French automotive corporation Renault will assist in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Ukraine amid the ongoing full-scale war in the country, according to Euronews.
Earlier, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced an unprecedented partnership with Ukraine, though he did not specify which company would be involved in drone production.
On June 8, France Info radio, citing its sources, revealed that Renault would participate in the effort. The corporation will cooperate with a French defense company at a location tens or hundreds of kilometers from the frontline.
Joint weapons production with France
Previously, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov held talks with Lecornu, proposing joint arms production. Umerov emphasized that Ukraine offers battlefield experience while France has a strong industrial base, making the partnership mutually beneficial.
The issue was also discussed at the latest Ramstein meeting. According to Umerov, some partners are already proposing to build arms production facilities in Ukraine and are willing to manufacture Ukrainian weapons under official license in their own countries.
Lecornu confirmed that a French automotive company would be involved in drone production in Ukraine, calling it a "truly unprecedented partnership." He did not specify what type of drones would be produced, but added that they would also be used by French forces for ongoing tactical and operational training for potential future conflicts.
