By William Miller, for Eurasia Business News, June 9, 2025. Article no. 1544.
A major French car manufacturer, in partnership with a small or medium-sized French defense enterprise, will establish drone production lines in Ukraine, according to French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The drones produced will primarily serve the Ukrainian Armed Forces but will also be available to the French military to support tactical and operational training that reflects the realities of the conflict in Ukraine. Lecornu emphasized that the Ukrainian workforce will staff the production, highlighting Ukraine’s advanced expertise not only in drone design but also in developing effective operational doctrines for their use.
This initiative, described by Lecornu as a “mutually beneficial” partnership, builds on discussions between the French and Ukrainian defense ministers and aligns with Ukraine’s plans to deploy over 4.5 million drones in 2025, which are expected to account for a significant portion of damage inflicted on Russian equipment at the front. The cooperation aims to combine Ukraine’s combat experience and drone innovation with France’s industrial capabilities.
The project also reflects broader efforts to expand industrial cooperation between France and Ukraine in defense technologies, including potential joint production of other weapon systems such as air defense equipment. Lecornu stressed that French citizens will not be required to work in Ukraine, underscoring that the production will rely on local Ukrainian expertise.
Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement at the Elysée Palace in Paris on the evening of 16 February 2024.
This 10-year pact includes France’s commitment to provide up to €3 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2024, continuing its support with equipment supply, defense industry cooperation, training, intelligence, and civilian aid.
This French-Ukrainian partnership in defence industry marks a strategic move to boost Ukraine’s drone manufacturing capacity on its soil while enhancing French military training and strengthening Franco-Ukrainian defense industrial ties.
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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1544.
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