France Asks Renault to Shift Production to Drones. Why Workers Push Back

The French government has asked carmaker Renault to convert part of its production lines to make military drones.

The proposal was reported by BFM TV.

The idea has sparked mixed reactions inside the company. Some employees oppose it, stressing they signed contracts to build cars, not weapons.

“Many employees have contacted us. They signed a contract for car production, not for weapons,” a representative of the FO trade union told BFM.

The issue is complicated by Renault’s diverse workforce, which includes a significant number of foreign nationals, among them Russian citizens.

Turning to drone production for use on the battlefield could heighten internal tensions and make the company a target for new cyberattacks.

According to the union, the first drone production facilities are expected to be set up in Slovenia, with later expansion in France.

Renault’s management has not yet made a final decision on the Defense Ministry’s proposal.

In early February, the French government said it planned to involve civilian industry in adapting production facilities to rapidly fulfill large-scale military orders.

Renault production in Ukraine

The company has also been considering launching drone production in Ukraine.

At the first stage, Renault intends to partner with small and medium-sized French defense firms, followed by plans to set up facilities directly in Ukraine.

In a press release, Renault confirmed it had received a request from the government but said no final decision had been made.