Defense: Renault Bets on Military Drones

French automaker Renault will mass-produce a long-range remotely operated military drone. Named "Chorus," this drone will be produced in its Le Mans and Cléon factories in partnership with the mid-sized firm Turgis Gaillard, specialized in weapon systems and combat drones. This partnership should enable France to fill its deficit in long-range remotely operated loitering munitions. Renault and Turgis Gaillard are targeting a production of 600 units per month.

A versatile device, Chorus will serve as both a munition and an intelligence platform. Its military design will be led by Turgis Gaillard while Renault will deploy its automotive expertise to enable mass production at low cost.

Led by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), the project will be primarily financed by public funds. The delivery of the first prototypes is expected this year, with the possibility of leading to a contract of approximately 1 billion euros over 10 years if the tests are conclusive.