Renault has partnered with defense company Turgis Gaillard to produce long-range drones for Ukraine, the newspaper reported Financial Times.
The initiative has the direct support of the French Ministry of Defense, which sees the project as a way to strengthen Kyiv’s support in connection with the conflict with Russia.
The French carmaker has confirmed that it will use two of its factories in the cities of Le Mans and Cléon to produce drones, known under the code name Chorus. The drones are to be deployed in both reconnaissance missions and long-range attacks, expanding Ukraine’s operational capabilities.
Although Renault did not disclose the value of the contract or the volume of production, trade magazine L’Usine Nouvelle reports that the initiative could develop into a ten-year agreement with the French Ministry of Defense. The program, the scope of which remains confidential, could reach an estimated total value of up to $1.17 billion.
The decision to redirect part of the carmaker’s production for military purposes arose from a request by the French government in 2025, which encouraged cooperation between the automotive and defense sectors. Inside the company, the move has sparked opposition from a section of employees who claim they were recruited to produce civilian vehicles. At the same time, there were reports that Renault is also considering expanding the production of drones directly in Ukraine.
Source and images: Militarnyi | X @sentdefender | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🇫🇷🇺🇦 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
