Dassault Aviation and the defense technology firm Harmattan AI have finalized a strategic partnership to accelerate the integration of controlled autonomy and artificial intelligence into modern combat aviation. As a cornerstone of this landmark collaboration, Dassault Aviation is leading a $200 million Series B funding round for the Paris-based startup. This capital injection values the young defense company at approximately $1.4 billion and underscores a shift toward sovereign AI capabilities for allied nations.
Scaling Autonomous Defense Production
The proceeds from this investment round will be utilized to expand the deployment of AI-enabled missions across new operational theaters and extend product offerings into untapped domains. Harmattan AI plans to scale the industrial manufacturing of its core platforms, which include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones, electronic warfare systems, and interceptor UAVs. The company already delivers thousands of systems monthly and has secured multiple Programs of Record from the French and United Kingdom Ministries of Defence.
Strategic Integration with Next-Generation Jets
A primary objective of the alliance is the development of embedded AI capabilities for Dassault Aviation’s future air combat platforms, specifically the Rafale F5 and the Unmanned Combat Aerial System (UCAS). These technologies will focus on the precise control of unmanned "loyal wingman" platforms that operate alongside piloted fighters in contested environments. This collaboration supports a broader strategy to ensure that AI remains sovereign, monitored, and securely integrated into high-intensity mission architectures.
Synergizing Aviation Heritage and Frontier AI
Dassault Aviation will provide its deep expertise in complex system architecture and the integration of mission systems within high-intensity operational environments to support the startup's growth. By combining world-class military aviation experience with Harmattan AI’s frontier software, the partnership aims to shape the future of collaborative air combat for NATO partners. Mouad M’Ghari, CEO and Co-Founder of Harmattan AI, stated that this step accelerates their mission to deliver scalable, sovereign AI to allied forces globally.
Leadership Perspectives on Technological Sovereignty
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, emphasized that technological excellence and sovereignty are central to the aerospace giant’s core values. He noted that joining forces with a fast-moving innovator like Harmattan AI reinforces their ability to deliver advanced capabilities required for the decades ahead. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the emergence of a new generation of autonomous defense systems designed to match the speed of modern warfare.
The collaboration between a traditional aerospace leader and a high-growth AI startup represents a pivotal moment for the European defense industry. By securing $200 million in funding and a direct path to integration with the Rafale fleet, Harmattan AI is positioned to become a dominant player in autonomous systems. As global demand for attritable and intelligent defense solutions rises, this partnership ensures that allied forces remain at the cutting edge of technological innovation.