Dassault Aviation and cortAIx partner on sovereign AI for future air combat

Dassault Aviation and Thales, through cortAIx, its artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator, have entered into a strategic partnership for the development of controlled and supervised AI for defence aeronautics. The agreement was signed on November 18 by Eric Trappier, Chairman & CEO of Dassault Aviation, and Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO of Thales.

The collaboration aims to create sovereign AI solutions that will serve manned and unmanned aircraft in future military operations. These solutions will encompass functions such as observation, situation analysis, decision-making, planning, and control. Both companies emphasized their commitment to trusted, sovereign, and controlled AI in compliance with national and European ethical principles and regulations.

Thales, via cortAIx, will contribute its extensive technological expertise from decades of experience in the defence sector, aiming to integrate advanced AI into next-generation aviation systems. The partnership includes research and innovation programs focused on ensuring AI's role as a secure and efficient asset.

The strategy for controlled, sovereign, and trustworthy AI was presented on November 25 at the Adopt AI Summit in Paris. Dassault Aviation is known for its Rafale fighter jets and Falcon business jets, while Thales is a global leader in defence, aerospace, and cybersecurity.