As Europe’s defense orders soar and car sales stagnate, some automakers are getting into the war business.
Renault has reached a deal with French defense firm Turgis Gaillard to produce unspecified drones. Neither company has provided details but Financial Times reports that these drones are bound for Ukraine.
The French government requested in June for car and defense companies to work together on drone production lines. This latest cooperation is part of that initiative and is led by France’s defense ministry.
According to Renault director Fabrice Cambolive, the venerable company was tapped for its production and industrial expertise.
Renault used to make tanks, aircraft engines, and ammunition in the first half of the 20th century — its products were used in both World Wars.
Turgis Gaillard, founded in 2011, maintains aircraft, supports military infrastructure, and makes products like the AAROK fixed-wing UAV. This drone can perform surveillance, air interdiction and close air support.
The company says it’s part of the French government’s plan to revitalize the military by significantly raising its 2024-2030 defense spending. Part of this plan is to fix weaknesses highlighted by the full-scale war in Ukraine, including a focus on drone defense.
The French military has recently showcased new tech inspired by Ukrainian battlefield conditions, including fiber–optic FPV drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and 3D-printed mines, among other solutions developed over the past two years.
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Defence Blog wrote that France’s focus on Ukraine’s battlefield lessons reflects a shift across NATO ground forces to reassess doctrine, protection, and fire support in today’s drone-filled battlefields.
