French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on October 16 that France will soon start supplying Ukraine with its first domestically developed kamikaze drones. The successful testing of these drones paves the way for their deployment to both the French military and Ukraine in the next few weeks.
In March 2024, the French Ministry of Defense ordered 2,000 of these French-made drones, with the first 100 units planned for Ukraine. At that time, Minister Lecornu highlighted that attack drones have become an integral part of military operations and would serve as an important addition to the Caesar self-propelled howitzers already in use.
The development contract was awarded to a consortium comprising drone manufacturer Delair and the multidisciplinary arms company Nexter. This collaboration aims to enhance military capabilities through advanced drone technology.
Background
France's Military Support to Ukraine: France has been providing various forms of military assistance to Ukraine, including artillery systems like the Caesar howitzers, to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities amid ongoing conflicts.
Advancements in Drone Technology: The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly kamikaze drones, has increased significantly in modern warfare due to their effectiveness in precision strikes and reduced risk to personnel.
