Three French defense companies to launch joint production of UAVs, ammo in Ukraine

On March 8, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that three French defense companies would set up a joint production of drones and ammunition in Ukraine with Ukrainian companies

He said this on BFMTV.

"Three French companies will establish partnerships with Ukrainian companies, in particular in the field of drones and ground equipment, to produce spare parts in Ukraine, and in the future, possibly ammunition," Lecornu said.

According to the French defence ministry, the idea is to launch the first production units this summer.

Among the three French companies planning to work in Ukraine is Nexter, the French branch of the international company KNDS. This group produces 155-mm shells and Caesar self-propelled artillery systems. The company has already announced plans to supply 30 new howitzers in 2024.

• Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 31 December, France has supplied military equipment to Ukraine for a total of €2.615 billion. Paris has also organised training for about 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers.