The French Ministry of Defense has approached Renault to help with the production of drones, according to the French car manufacturer. Minister Sebastien Lecornu hopes that Renault’s knowledge will be useful in setting up production lines in Ukraine.
Several discussions have already taken place between the ministry and Renault’s management, the manufacturer said in a statement to news agency Reuters. A final decision has not yet been made.
Minister of Defense Sebastien Lecornu hinted on Friday in a conversation with broadcaster LCI that the government wanted to work with a large French car manufacturer to set up drone production sites in Ukraine.
Drones are revolutionizing the war between Ukraine and Russia. The EU and NATO want other European countries to invest heavily in this type of high-tech warfare. Not only because it has a future, but also because the traditional European arms sector is currently falling short.
Renault has a long history with the production of weapons, ammunition and equipment. During the First World War, the manufacturer produced artillery shells and tanks, among other things. Military vehicles also rolled out of the factories during the Second World War, but they ended up with the German army.
Founder Louis Renault was accused of collaborating with the occupying forces after the liberation. He died in October 1944, before his trial could begin. His supporters have always maintained that Renault had to cooperate to prevent the relocation of his factory, along with its workers, to Germany.