Renault Group and Thales are partnering to produce weaponized drones, aiming to significantly increase France's industrial capacity in strategic defense manufacturing. The collaboration will leverage Renault's automotive production expertise to scale up output of Thales' Toutatis loitering munitions.
The partnership between Renault and Thales signifies a major push by European automakers into defense manufacturing, addressing the continent's urgent need to bolster its military capabilities and industrial base in response to geopolitical instability.
Renault Group and defense technology firm Thales have announced a partnership to produce weaponized drones, marking a significant step in Europe's rearmament efforts. The collaboration aims to boost France's industrial capacity in strategic defense manufacturing by leveraging Renault's automotive production expertise.
The agreement, revealed at the Eurosatory defence fair near Paris, will see Renault produce Thales' Toutatis remotely operated loitering munitions at one of its factories. The companies aim to scale production to 1,000 units per month starting as early as next year, primarily targeting overseas markets.
This partnership is the second defense collaboration between Renault and Thales, who are also working together on a military vehicle. Thales CEO Patrice Caine stated that the need for these drones was driven by military requirements observed in various operational theaters, particularly in Eastern Europe. The increased defense spending across Europe, spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and shifts in U.S. foreign policy, has prompted arms makers to seek spare capacity in the auto sector.
Renault's industrial expertise is expected to enable faster and more cost-effective drone production. The plan involves transitioning from 3D printing to larger-scale plastic injection molding, with the drone's design being adapted for higher volumes. A 40% reduction in parts and fasteners is also anticipated to lower costs. Caine described the new munition as "super competitive" in the market.
While there are no immediate large-scale purchase plans from France, the companies foresee higher demand in other markets. This short-range drone project complements Renault's existing efforts, including its Chorus program with drone maker Turgis Gaillard to develop a long-range model, with a demonstrator expected by year-end and a planned monthly output of 600 units.