Paris / Saint-Cloud, France – January 12, 2026 — Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI announced the formation of a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the integration of controlled autonomy and artificial intelligence technologies into combat aviation systems.
As part of the agreement, Dassault Aviation is leading Harmattan AI’s Series B funding round, totaling US$200 million.
According to the companies, the cooperation seeks to incorporate advanced onboard AI capabilities into Dassault’s future air combat systems, with a focus on the control of unmanned aerial systems and high-intensity collaborative operations.
The initiative aligns with the French manufacturer’s strategy to integrate sovereign, controlled, and monitored artificial intelligence solutions into its military systems.
Harmattan AI has already secured multiple Programs of Record with the French and UK Ministries of Defence for its autonomous systems portfolio and, amid growing demand, is expanding its operations on a global scale.
The funds raised in the Series B round will be allocated to expanding the deployment of AI-based missions across new operational theaters, extending the product portfolio into additional domains, and scaling industrial manufacturing capacity for platforms focused on ISR, drone interception, and electronic warfare.
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According to Dassault Aviation, the partnership will also support the development of AI capabilities integrated into its future air combat systems, including evolutions of the Rafale and unmanned combat aircraft projects (UCAS).
The company will contribute its expertise in complex systems architecture, mission systems integration in high-intensity operational environments, and support for international expansion through its established global network.
Harmattan AI noted that the collaboration represents a significant step toward consolidating a new generation of autonomous defense systems, combining cutting-edge AI technologies with the experience of the European military aerospace industry. The expectation is that the cooperation will accelerate the development and adoption of collaborative air combat solutions by allied armed forces over the coming decades.
Source and images: Dassault Aviation. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
