Dassault Aviation leads $200 million investment in Harmattan AI

French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation is leading a $200 million Series B funding round for defense technology firm Harmattan AI. The companies also announced a strategic partnership aimed at integrating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems into combat aviation.

Harmattan AI has secured contracts with the French and UK Ministries of Defence for its autonomous systems. The proceeds from this investment will fund the expansion of AI-enabled missions into new operational theaters and scale production of its intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), drone interception, and electronic warfare platforms. The company, founded in 2024, has rapidly grown its operations.

Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, stated that the partnership reinforces the company's ability to deliver advanced capabilities to armed forces. The collaboration will specifically support the development of embedded AI capabilities within Dassault Aviation's future combat air systems, such as the Rafale F5 and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programs, particularly for controlling unmanned aerial systems.

Mouad M’Ghari, CEO and Co-Founder of Harmattan AI, described the partnership as a decisive step in the development of a new generation of autonomous defense systems. Dassault Aviation will contribute its expertise in system architecture for complex military platforms, integration of mission systems in high-intensity operational environments, and international business development support.

Dassault Aviation has delivered over 10,000 aircraft globally in the last century. The company is focusing on integrating advanced technologies like AI and autonomy in its future defense systems. Harmattan AI develops vertically integrated autonomous systems for defense applications.