Renault announced today that it could produce up to 600 multipurpose drones monthly at its plant in Le Mans, France. This project is being carried out in partnership with defense company Turgis & Gaillard under the Chorus program.

These are long-range guided munitions. The automaker will be solely responsible for manufacturing the drone's structure without military components. If a warhead is included, it will be fitted after the product is delivered to the customer, under the oversight of relevant authorities. According to the company, the necessary production capacity could be established in less than a year.

France currently lags significantly in producing such systems: only a few hundred units were made in 2025, while other countries manufacture hundreds of thousands annually. Involving a major carmaker should bring industrial scale comparable to mass automotive production, where quality control, timelines, and cost efficiency are critical.

Renault emphasizes that it does not intend to become a major player in the defense market and will not cut investments in its core business—developing cars and new vehicles. However, the project has already sparked discussions within the company and among trade unions.