Science & Tech · AI · 1 day ago
France tests AI support for Rafale and Mirage fighter operations
France is testing ways for artificial intelligence to help fighter pilots.
The plan also includes using drones alongside crewed jets, with a goal of doing this by 2028.
Drones could carry weapons or draw out enemy radar, keeping pilots farther from some risks.
AI could help pilots sort through information and respond more quickly.
France is developing artificial intelligence for its Rafale and Mirage fighter aircraft as part of a project called HypAIRion, launched in July 2026.
The French Air and Space Force is testing AI on two Mirage 2000 aircraft being converted into test platforms at Mont-de-Marsan air base.
The military aims to operate drones alongside fighter aircraft by 2028, in a concept it calls collaborative combat.
Officials say AI could help pilots manage sensors, radar, tactical information and decisions, reducing their workload and helping them act faster.
A first planned operational use is AI in the Talios laser-designation pod in 2027, where it would analyse images to identify potential targets.
- Who
- The French Air and Space Force, the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI
- What
- Developing and testing AI for fighter aircraft and collaborative combat with drones
- When
- The project was launched in July 2026; drone operations with fighter aircraft are targeted by 2028
- Where
- France, including Mont-de-Marsan air base
- Why
- To assist pilots, improve operational effectiveness and help crews detect, understand and respond to threats more quickly
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ils vont forcer l'ennemi à allumer ses radars et à se dévoiler.
demain, l'intelligence artificielle l'assistera dans toutes ces tâches pour lui procurer plus de réactivité et d'efficacité
De véritables ordinateurs qui volent
France launched HypAIRion to bring together initiatives to integrate AI into French aircraft.
Dassault said it had simulated a firing pass using radar information located by a drone developed by Harmattan AI.
A French military briefing described the intended role of collaborative drones, including carrying weapons and exposing enemy radar.
AI deployment in the Talios laser-designation pod is planned.
The Air and Space Force aims to fly drones alongside fighter aircraft.
- Project
- HypAIRion, launched in July 2026
- Aircraft under test
- Two Mirage 2000 aircraft at Mont-de-Marsan air base
- Collaborative combat target
- Operate drones with fighter aircraft by 2028
- Planned AI deployment
- The Talios laser-designation pod in 2027
- Drone developer
- Harmattan AI
Sources
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