Dassault and cortAIx Partner to Develop Sovereign AI for Combat Aircraft

Strategic Alliance for Sovereign Air Defense

On November 25, 2025, a significant development in the European defense sector was formalized at the International Adopt AI Summit in Paris. Dassault Aviation, the industrial architect behind the Rafale and the forthcoming Future Combat Air System (FCAS), announced a strategic partnership with cortAIx, the artificial intelligence accelerator of the defense technology giant Thales. This collaboration, originally signed on November 18, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the race to integrate advanced computing capabilities into military aeronautics while maintaining strict national control over the technology.

The core objective of this partnership is the development of “sovereign, controlled, and supervised” artificial intelligence solutions. As modern warfare increasingly relies on data processing and rapid decision-making, the integration of AI into combat systems has become a necessity rather than a luxury. However, unlike commercial AI applications, military aircraft systems operate in high-stakes environments where error margins are non-existent. We observe that this agreement is designed to address those specific constraints, focusing on technologies that assist pilots and operators without removing the human element from the decision-making loop.

This move also carries substantial weight regarding industrial positioning within Europe. By aligning the capabilities of Dassault Aviation with the specialized AI resources of cortAIx, the partnership reinforces the French industrial base’s ability to deliver the “Combat Cloud”, the network connectivity essential for the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) and associated unmanned systems. It signals a clear intent to secure a technological ecosystem that is independent of non-European infrastructure, ensuring that the strategic autonomy of the French armed forces is preserved in the digital age.

Defining the Next Generation of Combat AI

The technological scope of this partnership goes beyond standard software integration. We must understand that the requirements for combat AI differ vastly from the generative models currently dominating the civilian tech sector. The collaboration focuses on “Hybrid AI,” a sophisticated approach that combines data-driven machine learning with symbolic AI. While machine learning excels at pattern recognition, symbolic AI relies on rule-based logic. By merging these two, Dassault and cortAIx aim to create systems that are not only intelligent but also explainable and predictable, critical factors for military certification.

The Concept of Frugal and Embedded Intelligence

A major technical hurdle in air combat is the limitation of hardware resources. Fighter jets and “Loyal Wingman” drones cannot carry the massive server farms usually required to run complex AI models. Consequently, the partnership places a heavy emphasis on “Frugal AI.” This concept involves designing algorithms specifically optimized for embedded systems where size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) are strictly constrained. The goal is to deliver high-performance computing directly on the aircraft, reducing reliance on ground stations and ensuring functionality even in electronic warfare environments where communications might be jammed.

These technologies are intended to serve a wide array of mission functions. From real-time situation analysis and sensor fusion to flight control assistance and mission planning, the AI is designed to act as a virtual co-pilot. For the Future Combat Air System, this means the software must manage the interplay between manned fighters and remote carriers (drones), synthesizing vast amounts of data from radar and optronics into a coherent tactical picture for the human pilot.

Furthermore, the development of these systems is being conducted under a “sovereign tech stack.” This ensures that the entire chain of technology, from the sensors developed by Thales to the algorithmic architecture, remains free from foreign interference. By utilizing sovereign processors and European-controlled cloud infrastructures, the partners aim to mitigate the risks associated with relying on hardware or software subject to extraterritorial regulations, such as those from the United States or China.

“In a multipolar AI world, sovereignty is not about choosing sides, it’s about choosing a strategy. France’s strategy is to build a domestic champion ecosystem to ensure it remains an architect of its own defense, not just a client.”

Ethical Compliance and the “Man-in-the-Loop”

One of the most critical aspects of this announcement is the explicit commitment to “controlled and supervised” AI. This terminology is not merely technical but deeply doctrinal. It aligns with the French Ministry of Armed Forces’ stance on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). The doctrine dictates that while AI can process data and suggest courses of action, the final decision regarding the use of force must remain with a human operator. This partnership aims to provide the technical means to enforce this ethical boundary.

To achieve this, the systems will be developed in compliance with the European Union’s AI Act. The focus on “Hybrid AI” plays a vital role here as well; because symbolic AI follows logical rules, it allows for greater transparency in how the system reaches a conclusion. This “explainability” is essential for maintaining trust between the pilot and the machine. If an AI system suggests a maneuver or identifies a target, the pilot must be able to trust that the suggestion is based on verified data and valid tactical logic, rather than an algorithmic hallucination.

We see this approach as a direct response to the growing concerns surrounding the “black box” nature of deep learning. By prioritizing supervision and control, Dassault and cortAIx are attempting to future-proof their systems against both operational failures and ethical controversies. This ensures that the advancements in the Rafale and the future NGF adhere to international humanitarian law and domestic defense policies.

Strategic Implications for the Industry

The collaboration between Dassault Aviation and cortAIx is a strategic consolidation of French defense capabilities. Dassault Aviation serves as the industrial architect, responsible for the overall integration of the “system of systems.” Their role is to ensure that the AI components function seamlessly within the complex avionics of next-generation aircraft. cortAIx, acting as the technology provider, brings the specialized research capabilities of its lab in Saclay and the industrialization power of its “factory” division.

This partnership also strengthens Dassault’s position in the broader context of the FCAS program, a tri-national effort involving France, Germany, and Spain. By securing a sovereign supply chain for the critical “Combat Cloud” and AI components, Dassault demonstrates its capacity to lead the technological core of the project. It mitigates the risk of technological dependency on external partners for the most sensitive aspects of the aircraft’s operation.

Conclusion

The strategic partnership between Dassault Aviation and cortAIx represents a calculated step toward securing the future of European air superiority. By focusing on sovereign, frugal, and hybrid AI, the collaboration addresses the unique technical and ethical challenges of modern aerial warfare. It moves beyond the hype of general-purpose AI to deliver specialized, robust solutions capable of operating in the most demanding environments.

As we look toward the operational deployment of the Future Combat Air System, the success of this partnership will likely serve as a benchmark for how defense industries balance the need for autonomous capabilities with the imperative of human control. The initiative underscores a broader trend where digital sovereignty is becoming as critical to national defense as kinetic firepower.

FAQ

What is the main goal of the Dassault and cortAIx partnership?
The primary goal is to develop sovereign, controlled, and supervised artificial intelligence technologies for military aeronautics, specifically for the Rafale and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

What is “Hybrid AI” in this context?
Hybrid AI combines data-driven machine learning with rule-based symbolic AI. This approach ensures that the AI’s decisions are explainable, predictable, and reliable, which is essential for military certification and safety.

Will this AI replace human pilots?
No. The partnership emphasizes “Man-in-the-loop” doctrine. The AI is designed to assist the pilot by analyzing situations and reducing cognitive load, but the human operator retains control over critical decisions, particularly the use of force.

Sources

• GlobeNewswire