techcrunch.com
French defense tech startup Harmattan AI has raised a $200 million Series B round led by Dassault Aviation, skyrocketing its valuation to $1.4 billion just two years after its founding. The company builds autonomy and mission-system software for defense aircraft. The partnership will see Harmattan AI develop embedded AI for Dassault’s next-generation Rafale fighters and drones.
The funding will help the company scale manufacturing for drone interception, electronic warfare, and ISR platforms, capitalizing on the increased demand for defense tech spurred by the war in Ukraine. While originally positioning itself as a European “Anduril,” the company is now partnering with established defense primes. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the move as vital for “strategic autonomy.” Having already won contracts with NATO governments, Harmattan AI plans to expand its reach into the U.S. and Middle East markets.
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