Renault to produce kamikaze drones for Ukraine: what is known about the project
21 January 12:59
French carmaker Renault will participate in the production of drones for Ukraine as part of a state military aid program. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing sources in the French defense industry, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The project is being implemented in coordination with the French Ministry of Defense and in partnership with the defense company Turgis Gaillard. Production is planned to be launched at two Renault plants in France. This is another step by Paris to increase support for Kyiv in its confrontation with Russian aggression.
This has been confirmed by Renault
Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolov confirmed the company’s participation in the project, emphasizing that the initiative is being carried out at the request of the state and under the leadership of the French Ministry of Defense.
Details about the drone models, contract terms, and delivery locations are currently being kept confidential for security reasons.
According to L’Usine Nouvelle, Renault’s plants in Cleon and Le Mans are expected to be involved in the project.
What kind of drones can be manufactured
According to media reports, the plan is to set up production of tactical drones with a wingspan of about 10 meters.
The expected parameters are “extremely competitive pricing” and scaling up production to 600 units per month by the end of the first year of operation.
Renault’s partner, Turgis Gaillard, is also known for creating the long-range Aarok UAV, which indicates the high engineering level of the project.
What is known about Chorus
Renault will produce the drone, codenamed Chorus, in collaboration with defense contractor Turgis & Gaillard under the supervision of the Directorate of Armament (DGA), according to the French Aid to Ukraine project.
According to L’Usine Nouvelle, Chorus is a French long-range loitering munition, similar in characteristics to the Iranian Shahed. The project was launched in early 2025 as part of a government initiative to develop the military drone industry. Turgis & Gaillard, the company that created the first version of the drone, joined forces with Renault on the basis of a drone that was already under development. Renault redesigned the drone, applying automotive methods to reduce costs and optimize performance. It is known that Renault will not be responsible for installing military equipment.
According to published data, the Chorus drone is about 10 m long, with a wingspan of approximately 8 m. The drone is capable of speeds up to 400 km/h and can fly at altitudes of up to 5,000 m. In addition to its strike function, the aircraft can also be used for surveillance and reconnaissance.
The project, which is largely funded by the state, involves the delivery of about ten Chorus drones by the summer of 2026. If successful, a ten-year agreement worth about €1 billion could be signed between the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and the companies involved.
