Renault to build long‑range surveillance and strike drones for France

French automaker Renault has announced a partnership with defense contractor Turgis Gaillard to manufacture long-range strike drones for France under a potential €1 billion (US$1.2 billion) contract with the Directorate General for Armament. These drones, resembling Iran’s low-cost Shahed loitering munitions, will be produced at Renault’s Le Mans and Cléon facilities, with chassis and engines respectively. The drones are expected to have a 10-meter wingspan and be offered at a highly competitive price. Renault’s chief growth officer, Fabrice Cambolive, confirmed the company was approached by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces to leverage its industrial and design expertise for this defense project. The drones will be remotely operated and designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat roles, similar to the Iranian Shahed drones that have been reverse-engineered by the US and used extensively in conflicts such as in Ukraine. This initiative aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent calls for the defense industry to