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Renault Enters Drone War as French Carmaker Builds Long-Range Suicide Drones for Ukraine
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Renault is set to begin production of long-range drones for Ukraine that resemble the Iranian-designed Shahed platforms used by Russian forces, according to a report by Defense Express on January 20. The project is being developed jointly with French defense contractor Turgis & Gaillard.
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), reportedly codenamed Chorus, is expected to serve both reconnaissance and long-range strike roles.
Defense Express, citing French media outlet L’Usine Nouvelle, reports that the project could result in a 10-year contract with France’s defense procurement agency (Direction générale de l’armement), potentially valued at up to €1 billion.
Although technical details remain limited, Chorus is described as France’s answer to the Shahed-series drones, which have become a staple in Russia’s drone campaign against Ukraine. The system is expected to combine surveillance capabilities with the ability to strike targets at extended ranges.
According to L’Usine Nouvelle, Renault will manufacture the drones at its facilities in Le Mans and Cléon, cities traditionally associated with the company’s automotive production. This shift into defense manufacturing marks a rare move by a major European automaker into the unmanned weapons space.
The French government previously announced in mid-2025 that Renault would produce drones intended for Ukraine. At the time, Defense Express notes, there were reports of internal opposition among Renault staff concerning involvement in military projects. However, those issues appear to have been resolved.
Renault’s partner in the project, Turgis & Gaillard, is a private French defense firm with experience in unmanned aerial systems and aviation components.
Ukraine and France agreed on joint production of UAVs
— Lew Anno Support#Israel #Ukraine 24/2-22 (@anno1540) October 4, 2023
The French company Turgis & Gaillard has signed an agreement with the Antonov State Enterprise on the joint production of a smaller and cheaper version of the Aarok MALE drone, La Tribune reports.
According to the head of… pic.twitter.com/KF9ABPluH5
The company is best known for the Aarok—a heavy reconnaissance and strike drone that completed its first test flight in 2025. That drone, while initially piloted, is part of a broader initiative to develop advanced UAV capabilities for French and international clients.
Turgis & Gaillard previously announced plans to manufacture the Aarok in Ukraine, though it remains unclear whether the Chorus system will also be locally produced.
Earlier, Ukraine and France signed a 10-year defense cooperation agreement that includes the planned transfer of Rafale multirole fighter jets—marking a major step in Kyiv’s transition to a NATO-compatible air fleet.
While exact delivery numbers remain undisclosed, the Rafale would complement Ukraine’s incoming F-16s and Swedish Gripens, and provide advanced strike and air superiority capabilities developed by France’s Dassault Aviation.
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