The French automaker Renault is planning to manufacture drones in Ukraine, according to France Info radio, which cited unnamed sources.
Renault will reportedly partner with small and medium-sized French defense firms, with production facilities located “several dozen to several hundred kilometers from the front line.” When contacted by France Info, Renault confirmed that it had been approached by the government but said that “no decision has been made at this stage.”
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on June 6 that an unnamed French carmaker would begin producing drones in Ukraine. He described the arrangement as a “win-win” partnership but declined to name the company, saying it was “their place to make it public.”
According to Lecornu, the drones will be supplied to Ukrainian forces, but the French military will also use them “to ensure continuous tactical and operational training.” Ukrainian forces, he added, would be able to provide feedback based on their use of the drones in combat.