Renault Group and Thales have signed a strategic partnership to jointly develop and industrialise the Toutatis loitering munition, targeting manufacturing capacity of 1,000 units per month from 2027. The agreement draws on Renault Group’s automotive manufacturing capabilities and Thales’ defence technology to establish sovereign drone production in France.

Designed for high-intensity conflicts, Toutatis can be deployed by dismounted soldiers or launched from combat vehicles, aircraft and naval platforms. Resistant to jamming and equipped with a mission-configurable warhead, it can neutralise armoured targets while keeping human operators in the decision-making loop.

In a statement, François Provost, Chief Executive Officer, Renault Group, said: “This new strategic partnership between Thales and Renault Group unites the strengths of two French champions in support of France’s sovereign drone industry.”

Patrice Caine, Chairman and Chief Executive, Thales, added: “This partnership with Renault Group marks an important milestone in strengthening sovereign, large-scale, world-class capabilities in the field of drones.”

The companies also unveiled 4 Troop at Eurosatory, a tactical vehicle for land forces integrating drones, sensors, AI-enhanced decision support and secure communications. The vehicle is designed to enhance operational capabilities for armed forces through AI-assisted command and intelligence tools.

Source: Renault Group