French Ministry of Defence contacted Renault regarding drone production

(Patria) - The French Ministry of Defence has contacted Renault regarding the possibility of helping with drone production, the car manufacturer said on Sunday, after the ministry last week floated the idea that French companies could help with production in Ukraine.

"The Ministry of Defence contacted us regarding the possibility of drone production. Discussions have taken place, but no decision has been made at this stage, as we are awaiting further details on this project from the ministry," Renault said in a statement to Reuters.

Earlier on Sunday, the French news website Franceinfo reported that the French car manufacturer is expected to produce drones in Ukraine.

Asked about the report, the ministry told Reuters that it is up to the car manufacturer, without naming it, to say whether it will participate.

Also, without naming any company, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Friday on the French news channel LCI that France will establish a partnership between a major French car manufacturer and a small defence firm to equip production lines in Ukraine for building drones.

Drones have played an important role in Ukraine's defence against the Russian invasion in 2022, providing surveillance and strike capabilities that have shaped battlefield tactics against Russian forces.