Renault Enters Military Drone Production Through Partnership With Turgis & Gailla

French automotive manufacturer Renault has formed a strategic collaboration with defense contractor Turgis & Gaillard to develop military unmanned aerial systems, according to Reuters reporting. The initiative, agreed at the request of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and supervised by France’s defence procurement agency (DGA), represents Renault’s first formal engagement in defence-related manufacturing. 

Renault was selected for its industrial design, production capabilities, and large-scale manufacturing capacity, signaling a shift by automotive industry players into defense production to help meet heightened demand triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and broader shifts in U.S. and European security policy. 

Details on the specific types of drones to be developed have not been officially confirmed by Renault. French media reports suggest the partnership could focus on tactical drones with wingspans around 10 meters and production volumes potentially reaching 600 units per month within the first year — though these figures have not been verified by the company. 

Renault representatives have emphasized that the company’s core automotive operations will continue to be the priority, even as it supports defense sector requirements. The manufacturing locations for future military drones, including whether Renault’s Cléon and Le Mans plants will be involved, have not been formally announced. 

The move aligns with a wider trend in which French and European automotive suppliers are being mobilized to support defence industrial base expansion. Other automotive sector firms, such as Valeo and Fonderie de Bretagne, are participating in defense production initiatives, including drone components and weapon system parts.