Renault expands into military drone production for French defense

Michael Powers, Editor

17:56 29-01-2026

Renault is stepping beyond traditional automotive manufacturing, with the French conglomerate confirming its involvement in a military drone production program launched by the government as part of accelerated defense sector development. The project is being carried out in partnership with Turgis Gaillard and overseen by the French Directorate of Armaments, underscoring the initiative's state-backed nature.

Renault's head, Fabrice Cambolive, stated that the Ministry of Defense approached the company several months ago with a request to join in building a national drone industry. Renault was chosen due to its expertise in design, large-scale production, and established industrial logistics. However, the company did not confirm speculation about potential production at its plants in Cléon or Le Mans, emphasizing that its core business remains automobiles.

This expansion into the defense sector responds to growing security challenges. The prolonged conflict in Ukraine, shifting U.S. positions on the global stage, and the need to rapidly strengthen European autonomy are pushing France to mobilize civilian industry. Traditional defense contractors are struggling to scale up capacity, creating opportunities for automakers and other large technology firms to participate.

The initiative falls under the "Air Defense Drone Pact" established in 2024, which focuses on developing and producing drones weighing up to 150 kg. Around a hundred companies are involved, including startups and research labs, forming a comprehensive ecosystem.

For Renault, defense work is not entirely new territory. The conglomerate previously housed Renault Trucks Defense, later sold to Volvo and transformed into Arquus, which remains a key player in France's military industry today. This new project effectively marks Renault's return to defense programs, but at a different technological level—in an era dominated by unmanned systems.