French and Ukrainian drone manufacturers are racing to secure co-production agreements and commercial contracts before the end of 2025, despite financial constraints and growing competition from other European nations, according to industry, military, and diplomatic sources. The sector has gained global attention amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and a sharp increase in drone activity at sensitive European sites, driving innovation in kamikaze drones, surveillance drones, and interception systems.

Ukraine Provides Critical Combat Data

Ukraine offers an invaluable testing ground for drone systems, providing real-time data from frontline operations—information that European manufacturers often lack. This advantage allows Ukrainian companies to rapidly test, iterate, and improve drone performance under combat conditions, making co-production agreements particularly appealing for French firms seeking fast results.

On November 17, 2025, dozens of French and Ukrainian companies, alongside military, political, and financial representatives, met in Paris during a forum hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The meeting aimed to accelerate cooperation, explore joint manufacturing opportunities, and attract investment for drone development.

French Firms Strive to Catch Up

According to a senior French diplomatic source, “French firms have lagged behind, so we are focusing on short-term co-production channels in Ukraine or France, leveraging Ukrainian engineering expertise to deliver tangible results quickly.” French drone makers are eager to establish partnerships that can be operational within weeks or months, signaling a sense of urgency in light of rising regional security threats.

Key Players in the French Drone Industry

Executives from leading French drone companies, including Delair, Alta Ares, Parrot, and EOS Technologie, attended the Paris forum. They were joined by the French drone lobby ADIF and major defence contractors MBDA, Thales, and Safran.

Alta Ares, which specializes in interceptor drones, may finalize a deal in Ukraine after its products successfully intercepted Iranian-made Shahed drones, according to two officials. Other companies discussed co-production models similar to the one agreed upon by Denmark and Ukraine in September, where Ukrainian weapons manufacturers began production on Danish soil—a strategy French officials are considering to address investor concerns about operating in Ukraine.

Even non-defence firms, like carmaker Renault, are being encouraged to explore drone production, highlighting the cross-industry interest in expanding Europe’s drone capabilities.

Innovation and IP Protection

According to Jean-Marc Zuliani, head of EOS Technologie, “on the front, products change daily. The challenge for Ukrainians isn’t just creating a wish list for allies but ensuring that products evolve faster than ever.” This rapid innovation cycle has also raised concerns about intellectual property protection, prompting participants to discuss legal frameworks to safeguard company innovations.

Funding Challenges and Competition

Funding remains a major hurdle. The Paris meeting brought together venture capitalists, private investors, and public-sector representatives to explore loans, direct investment, and EU financial instruments to support drone projects. Some officials also discussed using frozen Russian assets to finance European drone production.

Competition is intense across Europe, particularly from Britain and Germany, which are offering capital and support for Ukrainian drone collaborations. French officials hope EU funding, combined with potential private investment, can help close the gap and boost the competitiveness of French manufacturers.

Outlook for French-Ukrainian Drone Cooperation

Despite funding and competitive pressures, the Paris forum signaled France’s determination to play a leading role in the growing European drone industry. With Ukraine’s frontline experience, French engineering expertise, and potential co-production agreements, the sector could see rapid growth in the coming months, delivering both economic and strategic benefits for France and the EU.