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From Ukraine to Rafale: War-Tested Combat AI Powers Europe’s Fighter Jets
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
France’s Dassault Aviation is integrating artificial intelligence systems from Harmattan AI into its Rafale fighter jets and future UAVs, in a deal that also involves AI technologies deployed on Ukrainian drones. The development includes a $200 million investment in Harmattan AI, a startup founded in April 2024.
According to Defense Express on January 12, the partnership between Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI will enable the deployment of advanced AI capabilities across various defense platforms, including the Rafale F5 fighter jet.
The investment is part of Harmattan AI’s Series B funding round and aims to expand the operational use of its systems across multiple military domains.
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Dassault plans to integrate Harmattan AI solutions into the upcoming Rafale F5 standard, expected to enter service in the early 2030s. The AI system is designed to assist with autonomous drone control—particularly in manned-unmanned teaming concepts known as “loyal wingman” operations.
The funding will also support Harmattan AI in expanding production of its platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), counter-UAV missions, and electronic warfare applications.
Harmattan AI previously secured a defense contract with the French military in July 2025 to supply 1,000 drones.
While the specific model was not disclosed, Defense Express reports the order likely involved the Sonora—a compact reconnaissance quadcopter. The company has also unveiled an interceptor drone called Gobi, designed to neutralize loitering munitions such as the Shahed.
Harmattan AI has also established partnerships in Ukraine. In October 2025, the company signed a strategic agreement with Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton. The collaboration focuses on integrating Harmattan’s sensor and AI technologies into the Raybird family of unmanned aerial vehicles, which are actively used by Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
The Raybird drones, developed by Skyeton, are positioned as a capable alternative to systems like the British Watchkeeper, which has faced operational challenges. The partnership marks one of several examples where Ukraine’s defense sector has become a testbed for advanced technologies.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine will be the first nation to test a French‑developed drone defense system capable of operating hundreds of interceptor drones simultaneously as part of battlefield counter‑UAV operations.
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-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
