Paris, October 16—French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced that France will soon start supplying Ukraine with its first domestically developed kamikaze drones. This move signifies a strengthening of military cooperation between France and Ukraine amid ongoing regional tensions.
Lecornu stated that tests of the first French attack drones have been successful. He noted that both the French military and Ukraine will receive these drones in the "next weeks," highlighting the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare.
In March, the French Ministry of Defense ordered 2,000 of these drones, with the first 100 units earmarked for Ukraine. At that time, Lecornu emphasized that attack drones are becoming an integral part of military operations and would serve as a valuable addition to the CAESAR self-propelled howitzers already provided to Ukraine.
The drones were developed by a consortium that includes Delair, a leading French drone manufacturer, and Nexter, a multidisciplinary arms company known for its defense equipment. This partnership aims to produce advanced unmanned systems to enhance tactical capabilities on the battlefield.
Background
- Delair: A French company specializing in professional unmanned aerial vehicles for defense and commercial applications.
- Nexter: A major French defense contractor that produces land defense systems, including the CAESAR artillery system.
Significance
The delivery of these drones marks a significant step in France's support for Ukraine's defense efforts. The integration of kamikaze drones will enhance Ukraine's military capabilities, particularly in precision strikes and reconnaissance missions.
