Renault has entered into a partnership with the defense company Turgis Gaillard to produce long-range drones for Ukraine, according to Financial Times.
The initiative has the direct support of the French Ministry of Defense, which sees the project as a way to strengthen support for Kyiv in the conflict with Russia.
The French automaker confirmed that it will use two of its factories, located in Le Mans and Cléon, to manufacture the unmanned aerial vehicles, known by the code name Chorus. The drones are expected to be used both for reconnaissance missions and long-range attacks, which will expand Ukraine’s operational capabilities.
Although Renault has not disclosed the value of the contract or the scale of production, the specialist magazine L’Usine Nouvelle indicates that the initiative could develop into a 10-year agreement with the French Ministry of Defense. The program, the scope of which remains confidential, could reach a total estimated value of up to $1.17 billion.
The decision to redirect part of the carmaker’s production to military purposes stemmed from a request from the French government in 2025, which encouraged cooperation between the automotive and defense sectors. Internally, the move has met with opposition from some employees who claim they were hired to produce civilian vehicles. At the same time, there are reports that Renault is also considering expanding drone production directly in Ukraine.
Source and images: Militarnyi | X @sentdefender | This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors
🇫🇷🇺🇦 Well, it is official! Renault is set to begin large-scale production of loitering munitions (kamikaze drones) for Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/P0TTTcxN2a
— French Aid to Ukraine 🇨🇵 🇺🇦 (@aidefranceukr) January 19, 2026
Renault Group, the French multinational automobile manufacturer, is preparing to launch the production of long-range attack drones at its factories in Le Mans and Cléon, with cooperation from the aerospace and defense manufacturer Turgis et Gaillard Groupe.
Renault has stated… pic.twitter.com/quNcqklgl3
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 20, 2026
