French companies will begin manufacturing drones in Ukraine, marking a deepening of direct defense-industry cooperation between the two nations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the decision on 21 July during a two-day visit to Kyiv, Euroactiv reports.
Paris brings military manufacturing into Ukraine
President Zelenskyy confirmed that French companies will begin manufacturing drones inside Ukraine.
“We are ready to expand joint defense production,” he posted on X, adding: “There is a decision by French companies to begin manufacturing drones in Ukraine – and this is highly valuable.”
France's Foreign Minister Barrot echoed the statement in a separate post:
“French drones will be built on Ukrainian soil.” He described the move as a sign of “sovereignty and strategic trust.”
France and Ukraine expand defense partnership scope
In addition to drone manufacturing, Zelenskyy stated that the meeting covered broader military cooperation. That included improving Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, continued troop training, and recent outcomes from Ramstein-format meetings.
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