Renault and Thales Team Up to Scale Production of Toutatis Loitering Munitions

France’s Renault Group announced on June 16, 2024 that it will manufacture Thales’ Toutatis loitering munitions at its automotive plants. The deal targets up to 1,000 drones per month by 2025, with a first demonstrator due by year-end and an initial run of 600 units at the Le Mans facility.

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The Ukraine war and a shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump have spurred European defence spending, increasing demand for loitering munitions that can hover before striking.

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Renault (automaker), Thales (defence-tech firm), Thales CEO Patrice Caine, Renault CEO François Provost, and the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, which requested Renault’s involvement. John Cockerill Defense, a Belgian partner on a ground drone, also features in related projects.

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• Feb 2024: French ministry asks Renault to aid defence capacity.

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• Jun 16 2024: Partnership announced at Eurosatory.

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• Late 2024: First demonstrator expected.

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• Early 2025: 600-drone monthly output at Le Mans.

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• 2025 onward: Goal of 1,000 drones per month.

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Thales currently makes about 100 Toutatis units annually. The joint effort will replace 3D printing with large-scale plastic injection molding, cut parts and fasteners by 40 % and lower unit cost. Companies describe the price as “super competitive,” though no French procurement volume is confirmed.

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The collaboration expands France’s capacity in a high-priority weapons sector, leverages Renault’s manufacturing efficiency, and aims to meet overseas demand. It also illustrates a broader shift of civilian firms repurposing capacity for defence.

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Patrice Caine said the venture meets a genuine military need and reflects observations across multiple theatres, especially the East. François Provost noted Renault’s production know-how will enable faster, cheaper drone output. Both stressed the partnership is driven by external market opportunities rather than guaranteed French orders.

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• Production target cited as 1,000 units/month overall versus 600 units/month at Le Mans.

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• No timeline or volume disclosed for French armed forces procurement.

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• Pricing details versus competitors remain vague.

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• “We started with the military need,” — Patrice Caine, CEO, Thales

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• “We closely examined what's happening in a number of theatres of operation, particularly in the East, but not exclusively.” — Patrice Caine, CEO, Thales

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• “super competitive” — Patrice Caine, CEO, Thales

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• “Renault's industrial expertise will help scale up drone production more quickly ?and at lower cost, CEO Francois Provost said.” — François Provost, CEO, Renault

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A demonstrator will be ready by year-end, followed by regular production at Le Mans. Renault also continues its Chorus programme for a long-range drone and is developing a ground drone with John Cockerill, indicating ongoing diversification into defence platforms.

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