France to Produce Military Drones in Ukraine in Unprecedented Partnership

As Ukraine’s reliance on first-person-view (FPV) drones becomes central to its defense against Russia, France is taking a bold step: establishing drone production facilities on Ukrainian soil. The move marks Paris’s first direct military manufacturing venture in Ukraine since the war began and signals a deeper commitment to Kiev’s long-term defense capabilities.

France’s “Unprecedented” Deal with Ukraine

French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the partnership on June 6, framing it as a strategic collaboration that benefits both nations. While he did not name the companies involved, French media reported that automaker Renault Group will team up with a French defense SME to set up production lines in Ukraine.

“This is a win-win partnership,” Lecornu told LCI. “A major French automotive firm—which will disclose its role in due time—is joining forces with a defense manufacturer to produce drones in Ukraine.” The drones will primarily supply Ukrainian forces, but Lecornu noted they will also be used by the French military for realistic combat training.

Crucially, production will rely on Ukrainian expertise. “They are better than us at designing drones and developing the doctrine around them,” Lecornu admitted, adding that no French workers would need to be deployed to Ukraine.

The announcement follows high-level talks in Brussels between French and Ukrainian defense officials on June 5. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov welcomed the deal, stating, “France’s industrial strength combined with Ukraine’s battlefield experience creates a powerful synergy.”

France Plays Catch-Up in Drone Warfare

The partnership underscores a broader push by France to close the gap in drone capabilities. While Ukraine plans to deploy over 4.5 million drones by 2025—accounting for 70% of Russian equipment losses—France’s military operates just 3,000, according to Le Monde.

Lieutenant General Jean-Paul Perruche, former head of the EU Military Staff, told LCI that France had been “slow to adapt” to the drone revolution. “We discussed UAVs as early as the 1980s, but without the urgency of high-intensity conflict,” he said. “Now, we’re seeing the cost of that delay.”

European Allies Follow Suit

France’s move aligns with broader NATO efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense industry: Finland is co-developing a drone factory in Ukraine, with production started in 2025. The Netherlands pledged €700 million for drone tech and Ukrainian defense production. The UK and Norway are also investing hundreds of millions in drone output for Kiev.

Montenegro, meanwhile, will begin producing drones for Ukraine under a U.S.-backed $15 million initiative, further expanding Kiev’s supply chain.

A Strategic Shift for Paris

By localizing production in Ukraine, France not only accelerates delivery but also gains real-world insights into modern drone warfare. As Lecornu noted, the lessons learned will directly inform French military strategy—a tacit acknowledgment that Europe’s defense industry must adapt to a new era of combat.