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Renault to Produce Military Drones at Le Mans Plant by Late 2026
Renault is setting up a workshop at its Le Mans factory to assemble Chorus defense drones developed in partnership with Turgis Gaillard. The first prototypes are scheduled to leave the workshop this summer for testing in September. The company had not planned a return to defense production before accepting the project at the urging of the government.
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Renault is establishing a production line for military drones at its Le Mans chassis plant in France. The first prototypes are scheduled to leave the workshop this summer ahead of testing that begins in September. A Renault spokesperson told Le Monde the line should be operational by the end of 2026.
Renault has produced military equipment in the past through its former subsidiary Renault Trucks Defense, which was sold to Volvo in 2001. The automaker had not planned a return to the defense sector until government officials encouraged civilian industry participation in rearmament efforts.
The company ultimately accepted the proposal to produce the drones. The project reflects broader efforts to involve French automotive manufacturers in defense production. The drones are intended to be large and low-cost. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2026 following prototype testing.
