Loitering munition Toutatis: Thales and Renault aim to build up to 1,000 units a month from 2027

The French government is getting serious about its "war economy" – including when it comes to loitering munitions. At the Eurosatory 2026 defence trade fair, Thales and car maker Renault Group announced a strategic partnership to set up series production of the new French kamikaze drone Toutatis. The aim is nothing less than a sovereign French drone industry with production capacity on an industrial scale.

Thales contributes its expertise in defence and technology, Renault its experience in high-volume manufacturing. Production is to begin as early as 2027, at up to 1,000 loitering munitions per month. Such volumes have so far been seen mainly in the war in Ukraine.

France is thus drawing the consequences from the realisation that modern conflicts require technologically sophisticated systems, but above all large quantities. Anyone who can produce drones quickly, cheaply and in large numbers now holds a decisive factor for military endurance.

Loitering munition for high-intensity conflicts

Thales developed the Toutatis specifically for high-intensity conflicts. Dismounted soldiers can deploy the short-range loitering munition, but it can also be launched from vehicles, aircraft and ships. The system is designed to cope well with electronic jamming, and the warhead can be adapted to the respective mission. It can engage armoured vehicles, positions and other high-value targets on the battlefield, for example.

Notably, it is designed for swarm operations: Toutatis can operate in combination with other drones. According to the manufacturer, a human is always kept in the decision loop.

Also in Paris, Renault and Thales presented the new 4 Troon tactical vehicle. Drones, sensors, hybrid communication systems and AI-supported decision support are integrated into the platform, which is to give land forces significantly more operational options in future.