France is uniting its automotive and defense industries to produce drones for Ukraine.

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated: “We are going to start an absolutely unprecedented partnership in which a large company that produces French cars will join forces with French small and medium-sized defense businesses to equip production lines in Ukraine to manufacture drones.”

He added that the drones will be intended for both the Ukrainian and French militaries. Concurrently, Kyiv will provide Paris with feedback on the drone’s utilization by Ukrainian forces in combat, the minister mentioned.

Lecornu acknowledged that the Ukrainians excel in developing drones and, notably, doctrine for them, and that France is striving to catch up with Ukraine in this domain.

A Renault spokesperson stated that the carmaker was approached by the French defense ministry. Although discussions have occurred, no decision has been made at this time, as the company is awaiting further information from the ministry, the spokesperson added. Renault exited the Russian market following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The French defense ministry declined to comment on its discussions with Renault.