Renault to build long-range drones for Ukraine — FT

Renault will collaborate with Turgis Gaillard on the production of drones at two of its facilities, but declined to comment on the cost of the contract or the number of drones that will be produced.

Renault director Fabrice Cambolive says they were contacted about their manufacturing and creative industrial experience. He adds that this project is ongoing and is led by the Ministry of Defense. Cambolive confirms participation in this project at the request of the state.

According to the agency, the contract was signed after the French government asked automotive and defense companies in June to collaborate on drone production lines. The French automaker previously manufactured defense equipment, including tanks and armored vehicles, which were used in World War I and World War II.

Renault declined to specify whether the drones would be offensive, defensive, or reconnaissance.

The Financial Times notes that Turgis Gaillard is a French defense company founded in 2011 with about 400 employees and revenues of €80 million. Its products include a 20-meter medium-altitude, long-endurance drone called AAROK, which can carry nearly three tons of fuel, weapons, or equipment.

The French initiative comes amid diverging fortunes for Europe's automotive and defense industries. Orders for arms manufacturers have surged as the continent increases defense spending, while the automotive sector struggles with the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.

France develops modern weapons

France and Ukraine are working on launching the production of drones for the Ukrainian army, which could be organized in both countries.

The French military also recently demonstrated a number of technological solutions for modern warfare that they have been working on for several years. These include electric bikes, drones with suspended ammunition, fiber optic drones, and ground-based robotic systems.