Thales and Renault Group (RG) announce the signing of a partnership agreement to jointly develop and industrialise the large-scale production of Thales’ TOUTATIS loitering munition.
This announcement follows the unveiling of the innovative 4 TROOP tactical vehicle, presented by the two Groups. This strategic partnership combines Thales’ cutting-edge defence expertise with Renault Group’s industrial engineering and manufacturing capabilities to establish a sovereign, agile and competitive drone industry in France, fully aligned with the requirements of the wartime economy.
Through this collaboration, production of loitering munition could begin as early as 2027, with a manufacturing capacity of 1,000 units per month from the first year, marking a significant ramp-up in France’s industrial capacities in this strategic field.
This partnership will help secure a resilient and sovereign supply of munitions for France, while addressing the evolving operational and strategic requirements of the armed forces and strengthening the competitiveness of the national defence industry.
Designed for high-intensity conflicts, the TOUTATIS short-range loitering munition provides armed forces with a new operational advantage. Highly versatile, it can be deployed by dismounted soldiers and launched from a variety of platforms (combat vehicles, aircraft and naval platforms).
Resistant to electromagnetic jamming and equipped with a mission-configurable warhead, TOUTATIS is capable of neutralising targets such as combat vehicles while ensuring human operators remain in the decision-making loop. Able to operate as part of a drone swarm, TOUTATIS is a scalable system designed to adapt to evolving operational requirements.
“This new strategic partnership between Thales and Renault Group unites the strengths of two French champions in support of France’s sovereign drone industry. Renault Group brings its industrial expertise to the TOUTATIS project, along with the highest standards of automotive manufacturing, to design, industrialise and produce at scale, within shortened timelines and at optimised costs. I am proud of the work accomplished by our teams. It makes a tangible contribution to the initiatives undertaken with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and strengthens both French and European defence capabilities.”
François PROVOST, Chief Executive Officer of Renault Group.
“This partnership with Renault Group marks an important milestone in strengthening sovereign, large-scale, world-class capabilities in the field of drones. By combining Thales’ excellence in advanced technologies with Renault Group’s industrial strength, this partnership addresses the needs of the armed forces while meeting the requirements of the wartime economy.”
Patrice CAINE, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Thales.
At Eurosatory, Renault Group and Thales also unveiled 4 TROOP, an innovative tactical vehicle designed to meet the evolving operational requirements of land forces. By integrating drones, sensors, hybrid secure communications and artificial intelligence-enhanced decision-support tools, 4 TROOP provides armed forces with a vehicle offering significantly enhanced operational capabilities.
4 TROOP
SCALING UP DRONE PRODUCTION
Renault said in February it had been asked by France’s armed forces ministry to help strengthen the country’s defence sector.Renault’s industrial expertise will help scale up drone production more quickly and at lower cost, CEO Francois Provost said.
Thales currently produces around 100 units of the Toutatis drone per year. The partnership with Renault will increase output by switching from 3D printing to larger-scale plastic injection moulding, with the drone’s design being adapted to allow for the higher production volume. A 40% reduction in the number of parts and fasteners will also help lower costs, said Provost.
Asked about the cost of the new munition compared to others on the market such as the Damocles from KNDS and Delair, or the Akeron RCX 50 from MBDA, Caine said that it was “super competitive”.
There are currently no firm plans for France to purchase significant volumes of the drones, added the companies, with higher needs in other markets.The short-range drone project adds to Renault’s Chorus programme with drone maker Turgis Gaillard to develop a long-range model. A first demonstrator is expected by the end of this year, followed by monthly output of 600 drones at Renault’s Le Mans plant.Renault has said making cars remains its core business, though it is also working with Belgian group John Cockerill on a ground drone.
John Cockerill Defense bought French military vehicle maker Arquus from Swedish truck manufacturer Volvo in 2024.