Renault in talks with France to make drones in Ukraine

PARIS: Renault SA has held discussions with the French defence ministry to produce drones in Ukraine.

A Renault spokesman said the carmaker was contacted by the ministry.

Discussions have taken place, but no decision has been taken at this stage, as the company is awaiting further details from the ministry, the person added.

Renault quit the Russian market after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022.

France Info reported on Sunday Renault will work with a small company to set up production lines dozens or hundreds of kilometres away from the frontline.

The drones could be used by Ukraine and the French armed forces, according to the report.

The ministry declined to comment about Renault.

On Friday, Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that a major French car maker would join forces with a small French defence company to equip production lines in Ukraine to produce drones. He didn't identify the automaker.

A recent series of daring attacks by Ukraine against Russian targets marked an embarrassing setback for the Kremlin, including an assault on airfields as far away as Siberia using drones hidden in trucks.