France Has Enlisted The Auto Industry To Produce Military Drones

• 5.08.2026, 19:43

Renault is already developing a long-range UAV.

France has begun producing drones in collaboration with representatives of the automotive industry, according to Reuters. Since the beginning of the year, at least six partnerships between defense and automotive companies have been announced in the country.

French authorities hope to leverage the automotive industry’s capabilities in scaling up production, automation, and cost control. Valeo plans to manufacture electric motors for Harmattan AI drones in France, the agency reports.

Renault is already developing a long-range UAV with Turgis & Gaillard, and in June reached an agreement with Thales to produce the Toutatis kamikaze drone. The planned production volume starting in 2027 is 1,000 UAVs per month, Reuters reports.