Dassault Leads $200 Million Bet on Harmattan AI as Europe Races to Militarise Artificial Intelligence
GeokHub
GEOKHUB | Paris — Jan 12 French aerospace heavyweight Dassault Aviation is spearheading a $200 million investment round in defence technology startup Harmattan AI, underscoring Europe’s accelerating push to embed artificial intelligence into next-generation military systems amid rising global tensions.
The funding will support the development of advanced AI technologies for future air combat platforms, with a particular focus on autonomous and semi-autonomous drones designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets.
Both companies confirmed the partnership will play a key role in Dassault’s long-term combat aviation roadmap, including unmanned aerial systems intended to complement its future fighter aircraft.
Harmattan AI Valued at $1.4 Billion
Paris-based Harmattan AI, founded just last year, said the Series B round values the company at approximately $1.4 billion, elevating it to one of Europe’s most valuable defence-focused AI startups.
The company specialises in AI-enabled strike drones, surveillance platforms, and autonomous defence systems, technologies increasingly seen as decisive in modern warfare.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the investment, calling it a boost to France’s military independence and technological edge.
“This is excellent news for our strategic autonomy, for the technological superiority of our armed forces in AI-driven defence systems, and for our economy,” Macron said in a public statement.
AI Becomes Central to Air Warfare
The rapid evolution of drone warfare — accelerated by the conflict in Ukraine — has reshaped defence planning across Europe. Militaries are now prioritising AI-augmented systems capable of operating faster, processing vast amounts of data, and reducing pilot workload during combat.
Dassault is currently developing the Rafale F5, an upgraded version of its flagship fighter jet expected to enter service around 2030. The aircraft is designed to operate in tandem with an unmanned combat air system (UCAS), allowing drones to fly cooperatively with piloted jets.
Artificial intelligence will play a central role in that ecosystem, helping pilots manage battlefield information, identify threats, and coordinate autonomous wingman drones in real time.
Europe Pushes for Strategic Autonomy
The investment reflects a broader European drive to strengthen defence capabilities independently, reducing reliance on U.S. technology while responding to growing security threats from Russia and other geopolitical rivals.
Dassault has been deepening its AI partnerships in recent months, signing research agreements with France’s military AI agency and forming alliances with domestic defence firms to develop sovereign AI solutions for air combat.
Industry analysts say AI-driven defence systems are no longer optional but essential to maintaining military competitiveness in an increasingly contested global environment.
