Renault has entered into a partnership with defense company Turgis Gaillard to produce long-range drones for Ukraine, according to a report by the 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 amid 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 codename Chorus. The drones are expected to be used both in reconnaissance missions and in long-range strikes, expanding Ukraine’s operational capabilities.
Although Renault did not disclose the contract value or production volume, the specialized magazine L’Usine Nouvelle notes that the initiative could evolve into a 10-year agreement with the French Ministry of Defense. The program, whose scope remains confidential, could reach an estimated total value of up to $1.17 billion.
The decision to redirect part of the automaker’s production toward military purposes stemmed from a request by the French government in 2025, which encouraged cooperation between the automotive and defense sectors. Internally, the move generated resistance among some employees, who argue that they were hired to manufacture civilian vehicles. At the same time, reports have emerged that Renault is also considering expanding drone production 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
