French defence technology startup Harmattan AI has emerged as one of Europe’s fastest rising military AI companies after securing $200 million in Series B funding, pushing its valuation to $1.4 billion and officially granting it unicorn status. The round was led by aerospace giant Dassault Aviation, which simultaneously announced a strategic partnership with the Paris based startup aimed at accelerating the integration of advanced AI autonomy into next generation European air combat systems.
Founded in 2024, Harmattan AI specialises in autonomous defence technologies, including AI activated strike drones, surveillance systems, drone interception platforms, and electronic warfare solutions. Despite its young age, the company has quickly attracted attention from NATO partners and has already deployed its systems in multiple defence programmes across allied nations.
A Strategic Alliance for European Defence Sovereignty
The deal marks a significant step for Europe’s efforts to build sovereign defence technologies at a time of rapid global advancements in AI enabled warfare. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly welcomed the announcement, calling the partnership “excellent news for our strategic autonomy” and praising the company’s elevation to unicorn status. In a post on X, Macron emphasised the importance of AI activated defence drones for strengthening the technological superiority of France’s armed forces.
The partnership with Dassault Aviation, manufacturer of the Rafale fighter jet and a central player in European air combat development, is expected to accelerate Harmattan AI’s ability to scale its products and embed AI autonomy directly into future combat aircraft.
Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier said the company has always prioritised technological excellence and sovereignty, adding, “This partnership with Harmattan AI reflects our commitment to integrating high value autonomy into the next generation of combat air systems. By joining forces with a fast moving and innovative company, we reinforce our ability to deliver the advanced capabilities required by our armed forces in the decades ahead.”
Expansion Plans and Use of Funds
Before this latest round, Harmattan AI had raised over $40 million, though its earlier valuations were not disclosed. The newly secured Series B funding will allow the company to broaden its product offerings and strengthen industrial capacity. According to the company, the capital will be directed toward:
- Expanding its suite of autonomous defence platforms into new operational domains
- Scaling production of its drone interception and electronic warfare systems
- Supporting the integration of embedded AI autonomy into Dassault Aviation’s future air combat programmes
Harmattan AI says it is already working on several “programs of record” awarded by the UK and French Ministries of Defence, validating its rapid emergence as a trusted supplier in Europe’s military innovation ecosystem.
Shaping the Future of Collaborative Air Combat
Harmattan AI’s CEO and co founder Mouad M’Ghari described the partnership with Dassault Aviation as a pivotal moment for the development of sovereign European autonomy technologies. “Dassault Aviation’s trust and leadership accelerate our mission, delivering scalable, sovereign AI capabilities to allied forces,” M’Ghari said. “By combining frontier AI with world class military aviation expertise, we are shaping the future of collaborative air combat.”
The notion of collaborative air combat, where piloted aircraft work alongside autonomous drones and AI driven systems, is rapidly becoming central to modern military strategy. Harmattan AI aims to position itself at the forefront of this transformation by building modular, fast deployable systems that can operate across contested environments.
A Rapid Rise in a Critical Sector
In just two years, Harmattan AI has progressed from a newly founded startup to a strategic defence partner for major European governments, underscoring the accelerating demand for AI enabled military capabilities. Its unicorn valuation signals strong investor confidence in the firm’s technology and its potential role in shaping Europe’s response to emerging global security challenges.
With its new partnership and funding, Harmattan AI is set to play an increasingly influential role in the future of autonomous defence systems, and in Europe’s broader ambition to maintain technological sovereignty in next generation warfare.
